David Arato

I am a proud father of 4 kids, our family lives in Encinitas for the past 7 years and loving it. All my children go to the local PEC elementary school, participate in the Encinitas surf club, Lifeguard camp, Encinitas soccer club and many more local activities. They are so lucky to grow up in such a great community in our beautiful beach town. It is a dream come true for me to share my passion with them and our city on a daily basis, with our recently opened downtown Encinitas store location called GELATO 101. I’ve created this store in the spirit of making menu items in house from scratch using organic local ingredients, and designed it’s ambiance that I felt would speak to our community. It was a very personal project, as I knew our family, friends and neighbors will be eating here on a daily basis.

I arrived to the US from Italy in 2003, after a professional cycling career. I’ve traveled the world as a pro athlete for years, have lived in and seen many beautiful places around the world. I liked the US and California most for the blend in natural beauty and quality of life, so I jumped on the opportunity when it came near me to move here. After starting my gelato and coffee business in Seattle, I expended it to San Diego in 2006. Through the years I grew my business into 5 locations, working hard but enjoying the ride. When my wife Risa and I started a family, Encinitas was where we wanted to be. I cannot imagine a better place for our family to live, and we wish to be part of this community in every way we can. It has been a long and hard pursuit to finally open one of my stores in Encinitas, and could not be happier to now have family, work and fun in the same great beach town. This is where we are raising our children, so I hope to help preserve and further improve this wonderful place we call home for generations to enjoy.