Ones to Watch

Ones to Watch: Simona Faroni and Guido Tremolini

By Alexandra Mizels

Two young lovers, Simona Faroni and Guido Tremolini, came from Italy and lived the American dream of owning their own business. Of all the places in the country, they chose Destin to establish G.S. Gelato and Desserts Inc. And Faroni and Tremolini were the first individuals in the United States to have their Italian gelato-making equipment approved by the United States Department of Agriculture.

In 1995, Faroni and Tremolini came to the Emerald Coast with a vision. They had noticed Americans already had some Italian influenced delights — espresso, cappuccino and pasta. And though Americans love their ice cream, they were missing out on another tasty Italian treat. Filled with ambition and aspiration, the couple went through many obstacles to fulfill their dream. From learning the language, laws and culture to finding the right machinery, the couple did not give up or accept no as an answer. After 14 grueling months, their equipment was approved by the Food and Drug Administration and the United States Department of Agriculture.

“Would we do it again? Without thinking twice,” Tremolini said. “It was worth it. We believe that all valuable things in life are not achieved without big efforts.”

And what a success that was. Today, the couple runs a 26,000 square-foot facility and distributes their gelato brands all over the U.S. Universal Studios in Orlando is one of the many well-known places G.S. Gelato and Desserts are sold. This Italian couple showed everyone that anything is possible if you put your spirit into your dreams no matter where you come from.