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Get taste of Italy at new gelato shop
Teresa Farney The Gazette
March 28, 2007 - 1:10AM
Merlyn and Frank Nocon have brought a taste of Italy to our city.
Their Nocon’s Gelatoria, 8816 N. Union Blvd., opened Tuesday, where the Nocons are serving up to 24
flavors of gelato, an Italian treat.
“Gelato” is Italian for “ice cream.” It has a denser texture than our style of ice cream because it doesn’t
have as much air whipped into it.
“We lived in Italy for several years,” said Merlyn Nocon, “and loved the gelato. We were interested in
opening a restaurant but thought this would even be greater for our customers. There wasn’t a gelato parlor
(Gelatoria) here, so we decided what a great time to open one in Colorado Springs!
They imported gelato machines from Italy for their shop. They’ll be serving espresso, cappuccino and latte,
too.
Teresa Farney The Gazette
March 28, 2007 - 1:10AM
Merlyn and Frank Nocon have brought a taste of Italy to our city.
Their Nocon’s Gelatoria, 8816 N. Union Blvd., opened Tuesday, where the Nocons are serving up to 24
flavors of gelato, an Italian treat.
“Gelato” is Italian for “ice cream.” It has a denser texture than our style of ice cream because it doesn’t
have as much air whipped into it.
“We lived in Italy for several years,” said Merlyn Nocon, “and loved the gelato. We were interested in
opening a restaurant but thought this would even be greater for our customers. There wasn’t a gelato parlor
(Gelatoria) here, so we decided what a great time to open one in Colorado Springs!
They imported gelato machines from Italy for their shop. They’ll be serving espresso, cappuccino and latte,
too.
On January 8th, 2007 Frank and Merlyn Nocon opened the doors to their new business, “Nocon’s Gelatoria Inc.” A
place to relax and have a good time while enjoying a tasty treat. With twenty-four different flavors to choose from, not
only are the Gelatos tasty, but they are low fat, lactose friendly and pretty to look at.
Frank, who recently retired after 28 years of service in the Air Force, was introduced to gelato while stationed in Italy .
“I use to be a Bryers guy for years, but after trying a Gelato I fell in love.” One taste is all it took to give Frank the
desire to bring the taste of Gelato home.
With his military days now behind him, Frank decided it was time to provide this unique product to Colorado Springs . It
wasn’t all smooth sailing however, as he experienced a bit of culture shock as he transitioned from his military career
to being a small business owner. Frank also had to overcome obstacles such as issues with the architects, city
planners, and not to mention Colorado ’s blizzards in December 2006 that all contributed to a delay in his opening day.
The process of creating a business plan as well as seeing if the plan was feasible was the hardest part. He spoke with
many lenders that were not too supportive, then he came to the CSSBDC and found a team that he said, “believed in
my vision.” The CSSBDC also gave Frank the informational tools he needed to get his business off the ground and
make it work. “You learn a lot as you grow,” Frank said. Much of Frank's success in life he contributes to being
surrounded by an all star team which he says includes his wife and business partner Merlyn, as well as the supportive
staff at the CSSBDC.
The challenges did not stop Frank’s quest for success. Now his Gelatoria is up and running, adding more culture and
yummy treats to the city of Colorado Springs . “Seeing my name on the building is a reward in itself,” Frank states. His
plans for the future are to continue to provide good service, open more stores, and pass on the business to his
children. All of his hard work and dedication paid off, and “Nocon’s Gelatoria Inc” is defiantly a pleasant and inviting
place people are sure to enjoy.
place to relax and have a good time while enjoying a tasty treat. With twenty-four different flavors to choose from, not
only are the Gelatos tasty, but they are low fat, lactose friendly and pretty to look at.
Frank, who recently retired after 28 years of service in the Air Force, was introduced to gelato while stationed in Italy .
“I use to be a Bryers guy for years, but after trying a Gelato I fell in love.” One taste is all it took to give Frank the
desire to bring the taste of Gelato home.
With his military days now behind him, Frank decided it was time to provide this unique product to Colorado Springs . It
wasn’t all smooth sailing however, as he experienced a bit of culture shock as he transitioned from his military career
to being a small business owner. Frank also had to overcome obstacles such as issues with the architects, city
planners, and not to mention Colorado ’s blizzards in December 2006 that all contributed to a delay in his opening day.
The process of creating a business plan as well as seeing if the plan was feasible was the hardest part. He spoke with
many lenders that were not too supportive, then he came to the CSSBDC and found a team that he said, “believed in
my vision.” The CSSBDC also gave Frank the informational tools he needed to get his business off the ground and
make it work. “You learn a lot as you grow,” Frank said. Much of Frank's success in life he contributes to being
surrounded by an all star team which he says includes his wife and business partner Merlyn, as well as the supportive
staff at the CSSBDC.
The challenges did not stop Frank’s quest for success. Now his Gelatoria is up and running, adding more culture and
yummy treats to the city of Colorado Springs . “Seeing my name on the building is a reward in itself,” Frank states. His
plans for the future are to continue to provide good service, open more stores, and pass on the business to his
children. All of his hard work and dedication paid off, and “Nocon’s Gelatoria Inc” is defiantly a pleasant and inviting
place people are sure to enjoy.
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