After just six months MiMi Gelato, the small little shop tucked in the diagonal alley between Azteca and Anchor Tattoo, is closed.
“MiMi has retired,” the sign on the door states, “For great local gelato please visit: D’Ambrosio Gelato at 5339 Ballard Ave.” We spoke with the owner who tells us that their other business, Ballard Kitchen, has really grown over the last few months. Ballard Kitchen provides commercial cooking facilities for early-stage caters, retail and wholesale food businesses. The MiMi Gelato space is air-conditioned and will be absorbed by Ballard Kitchen for candy makers and chocolatiers. “They usually have a lot of trouble getting their product to set in the hot summer months,” the owner tells us.
The owners of MiMi are also impressed with D’Ambrosio Gelato. “We really respect what they’re trying to do and the standards they’re holding to. We’ll be frequenting their shop often!” (Thanks Christina for the tip!)
It’s great to finally see a location close not because they couldn’t afford it, but because their other business is growing and needs more space.
this town’s not big enough for two gelato stands.
I think they should have a gelato duel–loser has to go back to italy.
“The owners of MiMi are also impressed with D’Ambrosio Gelato”
Wow, what a gracious departure; no blaming yuppies, developers, condos……. capitalism at its finest!
From a personal standpoint, I’m sad. I liked the guys who worked the counter at Mimi’s, and I liked the small feel of the place.
But it did seem like the kitchen in back was the bigger business. I hope that business is doing as well as it seems.
That’s an unfortunate spot for a food place cuz of the stinky alley full of dumpsters that you have to navigate to walk in the front door.
I’m really bummed about this – I loved that place!
That’s the second or third place that has tried to move into that alley in the 2 years I’ve lived in Ballard.
Someone should try a small bar in there like Hazelwood but smaller like the one that was supposed to move into the old Green Go location.
Just what Ballard needs – another bar.
Hey, since the space is so small, why doesn’t somebody just open up a walk-up bar, like they have on Bourbon Street in New Orleans? Stagger up to the window, hand over your cash, they hand you a drink in a plastic cup, and you wander down the street to enjoy it.
Come to think of it, that might actually fit in with today’s Market Street and the New Ballard…
So many negative nancies, dinner at your house must be fun…