Last week, we shared that Nucci’s has reopened in a new location with Paul’s Chocolate on Frazier Drive in Franklin. We sat down with Steve Hovis, of Nucci’s, to learn more about their decision to reopen, partnering with Paul’s Chocolate, new flavors, and most importantly how does Steve Hovis prefer his gelato?
 You closed your location in January, tell us about your decision to re-open?
This is a long answer to a fairly short question. The decision to close was driven by several factors.While the majority of our revenue was derived from Gelato, a majority of our time was spent on the food side of the business such as Panini, Soups and Salads.
This prevented us from growing our Gelato options, which, frankly is where our passion really was. It was where all our awards and recognition came from including being selected as one of the top 16 Gelateria’s in North America to compete in the Gelato World Tour in Austin, TX in May 2014. At this same time, my wife was in declining health from liver and kidney disease and she was on transplant lists for both.
Much of my time was spent taking her to doctor appointments, caring for her and running the business. As gut wrenching as it was, we knew we couldn’t continue as we had. So, in early December, the decision was made to close at the end of the month. Towards the end of January, I decided to stop by Paul’s Chocolate Gallery to thank him for some decorations he made for some of our Gelato cakes. I had never been to his place before and was amazed by his chocolate creations and we began talking about what was next for me.
I shared that I would love to re-open as a Gelato only concept, but that would require much less square footage than I previously had. Paul told me he was only using about half his space, and from there we started talking about the possibility of sharing space. In early February, my wife got “the call” that organs were available for her and thanks to the wonderful doctors and staff at Vanderbilt coupled with thousands of prayers, she is well and getting better each day. A huge weight had been lifted and I could begin exploring my dream of re-opening.
After months of discussions, Paul and I agreed to share space and on June 26th we re-opened as Nucci’s Gelato.
 Tell us about your new partnership with Paul’s Chocolate?
Essentially, for now, I am making and serving our Gelato within Paul’s space. We share common expenses and we’ll see where it goes from there. So far, it has been a great experience and we look forward to collaborating on various items.
How did you get started making gelato?
I have been making Gelato for 8 years now. We paid a consultant to train us initially and continue to grow and learn through additional training opportunities. Being an insulin dependent diabetic, I love that I can make Gelato that can be enjoyed by almost everyone regardless of dietary limitations.
Can you share with us your process in how you decide on new flavors?
I try to make flavors that follow the seasons, like fresh fruit during the warmer months,but I honestly get inspiration from many sources,our customers, flavor trends and my peers. I love a good challenge as long as it makes sense.
We saw a cake on your Facebook page, is this something new you are trying?
This is a great example of how Paul and I are collaborating on items. He is a master at decorating cakes, I am not. So, he and I make Gelato cakes and he decorates them. I recently bought a special case to display them and we also be taking special orders. We’ll also have Gelato Bars, Gelato Cannoli as well as other novelties available.
Is Nucci’s available for special occasions?
Yes we are! We can hold private events in our space and we are also available for wedding receptions, fund raisers and other special occasions. I am ordering a Gelato Cart that resembles the vintage carts that vendors used in Italy.
 How do you enjoy your gelato, cup or cone?
Actually, both, but my favorite way to enjoy Gelato is in a cup with a shot of Espresso. It’s called an Affogato.
Thanks so much to Steve Hovis for taking time out to talk with us. Â Paul’s Chocolate & Nucci’s Gelato is located at 600-B Frazier Drive, Franklin. Â Nucci’s is holding an open house on Sunday, August 16th, from 1pm-4pm to see the new location and sample gelato.
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