Sad news: sweet shop Guerriero Gelato has announced that it is permanently closing after 16 years. Owner Mike Guerriero announced the shop’s closure this week, however, that isn’t the end of the line for Montclair customers looking to satisfy their sweet tooth – there’s more to the story.
Mike told NorthJersey.com that the month of December was the hardest for the business due to the holiday demand and staff contracting/being exposed to Covid during 0ff-hours, forcing the shop to close. “December was pure chaos. Eighty percent of my staff called in to say they’d been exposed at holiday gatherings or had to get tested. I’ve had more positive tests and exposures in December than in the last two years of the pandemic. Despite the availability of vaccines and testing sites, I have more issues than I’ve ever had before. It’s so frustrating.”
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Due to the complications that the Montclair store was facing, Mike explained that he will pivot operations to keep online orders available but close the Montclair storefront. The deliveries will be based out of the remaining location in Caldwell. He stated, “Instead of trying to run two shops halfway, we are combining staff and opening Caldwell back to full hours.”
Mike will have to find a new location, as Guerriero Gelato manufactures its product in the Montclair location, and provides gelato to many Montclair restaurants. In the meantime, stay in the know with Guerriero Gelato by following along on Instagram at @guerrierocaldwell.
