When you take a bite of handcrafted gelato, you aren’t just tasting rich Italian technique—you are tasting a labor of love that hits close to home. Here in Howard County, Maryland, community, history, and hard work go hand in hand.
From the historic, winding streets of Old Ellicott City to the planned village centers of Columbia, Howard County has long been defined by family-first traditions and entrepreneurial spirit. Originally established in 1851 as a hub for agriculture, textile mills, and trade along the Patapsco River, our region has grown into one of the vibrant hearts of Maryland. Growing up here, you learn early on the value of supporting local, respecting your roots, and building something that lasts.
That exact Howard County mindset is where Mike’s Gelato began.
Celebrate Born, Raised, and Handcrafted in Howard County
-
Long before launching the food truck, founder Mike Mullinix was learning the ropes of local business right here in Howard County. At just 13 years old, Mike started a produce stand—funding his college education, serving neighbors, and laying a strong foundation in hard work and community connection.
After completing his degree in Business Management with a focus on Entrepreneurship, Mike traveled to Bologna, Italy, to attend Gelato University—the premier training ground for traditional Italian gelato masters. He mastered authentic, small-batch methods, returning home to Maryland with a clear mission: to bring true, scratch-made gelato to his hometown.
Mike spent two full years building his first food truck entirely by hand—every bolt, cabinet, and counter—before hitting the road in 2016. Today, Mike and his wife Amanda run the business alongside their three children, who are growing up immersed in the sweet craft and community spirit of Howard County. With a second food truck added in 2025, our family continues to serve local neighborhoods, school events, and weddings with 100% handcrafted Italian gelato.
Standing Out Among Howard County Food Trucks
When planning a community festival, block party, corporate event, or family celebration, there is no shortage of Howard County food trucks serving up incredible savory dishes—from gourmet burgers and wood-fired pizza to fresh crab cakes and tacos.
However, when it comes to the grand finale of your event, savory options are only half the equation. You need a dessert experience that elevates the gathering and keeps guests talking. Mike’s Gelato is your go-to dessert food truck.
Here is why our dessert truck stands in a class of its own:
-
100% Made from Scratch: Unlike many dessert vendors that rely on commercial premixes, artificial flavorings, or pre-packaged tubs, every single batch of Mike’s Gelato is made completely from scratch using authentic Italian techniques and fresh ingredients.
-
Family-Centered Hospitality: As local owners born and raised in the area, we treat every event like a neighborhood gathering. Amanda and Mike handle every detail—from smooth scheduling to personal service at the window.
-
Versatility for Any Event: From backyard birthday parties and high school graduations to corporate luncheons and elegant weddings, our trucks bring a polished, memorable dessert setup directly to your venue.
Whether you are hosting a gathering in Ellicott City, Laurel, Fulton, or Clarksville, choosing from the array of Howard County food trucks doesn’t mean compromising on dessert quality.
Ready to Bring Mike's Gelato to Your Next Event?
Looking to treat your guests to authentic, small-batch gelato served directly from our custom trucks?
-
Check Our Schedule: Visit our Food Truck Tracker to see where our trucks will be popping up next in Howard County.
-
Book Private Catering: Head over to our Catering Request Page to lock in your event date for weddings, corporate gatherings, or neighborhood pop-ups.
-
Follow Our Journey: Stay updated on seasonal flavors and truck locations by joining the Scoop Club or following along on social media!
Follow our journey on Instagram!

