UPPER WEST SIDE — A shop selling flower-shaped gelato will open in a space formerly occupied by the frozen-yogurt chain Pinkberry in late winter, the company has announced.
Amorino Gelato is bringing a new shop to 414 Amsterdam Ave., at West 80th Street, in March of 2016, a spokeswoman said.
By layering hand-scooped flavors, Amorino staffers create a treat that looks like a flower, with each layer representing a petal. This style also means customers can select as many flavors as they like, explained Amorino USA CEO Filippo Saccani when the brand's Chelsea location opened.
Saccani described Amorino Gelato as a "luxury experience" at the time and said the company uses organic eggs and no artificial flavors or colors to make its 23 flavors. Gelato prices range between $5 for a small to nearly $13 for the largest size.
At its other New York City locations, the 13-year-old Italian shop also sells macarons, hot chocolate, waffles and crepes, just like it will in its new 914-square-foot space.
The chain launched in Italy in 2002 and has been expanding globally, with three shops opening in New York City since 2011 — in Greenwich Village, Chelsea and Hell's Kitchen. The Hell's Kitchen outpost opened just this week on Eighth Avenue at West 45th Street.
Pinkberry was one of a slew of fro-yo spots along Amsterdam Avenue that made up so-called "Yogurt Alley," until many began closing in the past year. This Pinkberry location was one of the first to close, shutting its doors in January 2015 after opening in June 2013. The space has been on the market since then.
