New business brings gelato to Padanaram

Dec 26, 2018

Marissa Massucco was taking a walk around Padanaram in September with her children when one expressed a hankering for ice cream, but there wasn’t anywhere in South Dartmouth that was open year round.

That off-hand comment sparked an idea for Massucco, and when she saw the empty storefront next door to the Sail Loft, she knew she was on to something.

Just a few months later, she opened Village Harbor Sweets, a gelato shop featuring all natural candies, treats, and other gift items like soaps and pottery. Soon, bubble tea will be added to the menu. Bubble tea, or boba, is a Taiwanese drink made of tea, milk, and tapioca pearls.

Everything in the shop is made without artificial colors, flavors, or animal byproducts (and tested and approved by her kids).

“I wanted to do something happy that would make other people happy,” Massucco said. Previously, she worked with her husband running a veterinary clinic, and was looking for a change of pace.

So far, it seems like Village Harbor Sweets is making people happy. The shop has a growing number of regular customers of all ages.

"Everything came together so smoothly," Massucco said. "It just seemed like it was meant to be."

Gelato is the Italian version of ice cream.

“It’s churned differently than ice cream,” Massucco said. Gelato has less air and less fat than ice cream, and is creamier and more dense. It’s also made with all natural ingredients, and many of the flavors are gluten-free. The shop also offers sorbet for those who are dairy free.

The most popular flavors so far have been Cake Batter, Tiramisu, and Salted Caramel — any of which could be paired with a waffle cookie, chocolate sauce, or all-natural nutella.

In the summer, customers will be able to enjoy their gelato on the deck behind the shop while looking out over the harbor.

Village Harbor Sweets is located at 242 Elm St. and is open from 2 to 7 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. For more information, go to www.villageharborsweets.com.