News Summary
Phil Tessier has opened Tesoro, a gelato shop in Knoxville’s Old City, paying tribute to his late partner Paula. Offering local ingredients and unique flavors, the soft opening coincides with the Big Ears Festival, with the grand opening on May 2. Guests can enjoy classic gelato and a special dog-friendly menu while soaking in the shop’s vibrant atmosphere.
Knoxville Welcomes Tesoro: A Gelato Treasure by Phil Tessier
Exciting news is swirling around Knoxville, especially for gelato lovers! Phil Tessier, the talented gelato master known for his previous culinary endeavors, has opened a fabulous new shop named Tesoro at 111 North Central St. in the vibrant Old City. Trust us, this isn’t just another gelato spot; it’s a heartfelt tribute and a delicious experience waiting to unfold.
A Name Full of Meaning
The name Tesoro means “treasure” in Italian, a beautiful homage to Tessier’s late partner, Paula. This connection adds a deep, personal layer to the shop, making each scoop of gelato even more significant. Tessier previously ran Cafe Vicolo, a cozy soup and sandwich shop he started in 2017. After the sad loss of Paula, he felt that a change was in order and decided to take a journey that would eventually lead him back to Knoxville.
A Gelato Journey in Italy
Before returning to his beloved East Tennessee, Tessier spent a transformative year in Italy to master the art of gelato making. He enrolled at the coveted Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners and dedicated 90 days to perfecting his skills while also working in various gelato shops across the country. His travels took him to enchanting locations throughout Europe, including magical stops in Switzerland, Austria, France, Liechtenstein, and England. This European adventure allowed him to absorb countless inspirations that he is now ready to pour into Tesoro.
Setting Up Shop in the Old City
Initially, Tessier thought about launching his gelato shop in Asheville, but destiny led him back to Knoxville after plans were disrupted by Hurricane Helene. He settled on a snug space in Old City and chose to kick things off during the popular Big Ears Festival with a soft launch, which has already begun to attract attention.
Grand Opening and Delicious Flavors Await
Mark your calendars! The official grand opening for Tesoro is set for May 2. Currently, the shop operates on a soft opening schedule with limited hours: Thursday from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm. After the grand opening, the shop will maintain regular operation hours of 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm from Sunday to Tuesday, and 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm from Thursday to Saturday.
When you visit Tesoro, get ready to indulge in an array of luscious gelato flavors crafted from fresh, local ingredients. Tessier plans to feature a delightful lineup of 12 everyday flavors like vanilla, cookies and cream, chocolate, and stracciatella, alongside an ever-evolving selection of 12 rotating seasonal flavors. Picture scoops of lemon lavender, tiramisu, and guava cream to brighten your day!
Treats for Your Furry Friends Too!
In a delightful twist, Tessier is also creating a special gelato menu for dogs called “Lolatos”, featuring tasty flavors like pumpkin and blueberry. Now your four-legged friends can enjoy a sweet treat while you savor your gelato.
A Colorful Tribute and Community Bonding
The interior of Tesoro is painted a cheerful pink, Paula’s favorite color, with plans for the exterior to follow suit. Tessier has expressed immense gratitude for the support from the Knoxville community and is eager to reconnect with old friends while making new ones. The shop is designed to foster a warm and welcoming atmosphere where customers can watch the gelato-making process unfold.
Looking Ahead
As Tesoro settles into its rhythm, there are wonderful plans in the pipeline! Tessier is considering introducing merchandise related to the gelato shop, perhaps including insulated cups to keep the gelato cool on those warm Tennessee days. Plus, he might also add pastries to the menu, inspired by authentic Italian gelateria practices.
To stay updated on the latest flavors and offerings, customers can follow Tesoro on social media platforms, particularly Instagram. Early reviews from the community have already started rolling in, with people raving about the authentic gelato experience and expressing joy over Tessier’s return to Knoxville.
So, gear up for some scrumptious gelato from Tesoro – it’s not just a shop; it’s a heartfelt treasure waiting to be uncovered!
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Additional Resources
- Knox News: Tesoro Gelato Shop Opens
- Wikipedia: Gelato
- Inside of Knoxville: Tesoro Gelato Soft Opening
- Google Search: Gelato Making
- Inside of Knoxville: New Restaurant Opens
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gelato
