A Family Story Rooted in Craft & Community
handcrafted gelato. heartfelt beginnings.
How It Started
A Passion Born in Italy
Mike's Gelato was founded in 2016 by Mike Mullinix, a Maryland native with a lifelong passion for food, family, and entrepreneurship. His love for Italian culture began during a semester abroad in Italy, where he discovered authentic gelato.
Returning home, nothing matched the rich, creamy flavors he experienced—so he decided to learn to make it himself.
Early Roots
building a foundation
Before launching Mike's Gelato, Mike had already built a strong foundation in food and business. At 13 he started a produce stand that funded his college education and taught him the value of hard work and community.
After earning a Business Management degree with a focus on Entrepreneurship, he knew he wanted to build something meaningful.
Age 13
Started Produce Stand
College
Business Management
Vision
Build Something Meaningful
Gelato University
Mastering the Craft in Bologna
To master the craft, Mike traveled to Bologna, Italy, to attend Gelato University—the world's leading school for artisanal gelato.
He learned traditional Italian methods and the importance of using high-quality, all-natural ingredients.
Bologna
Italy
World's #1
Gelato School
Traditional
Italian Methods
The First Truck
Built From Scratch, Just Like Our Gelato
After returning home, Mike spent two years building his first food truck from scratch. Every detail was carefully planned and crafted with his own hands.
In 2016, Mike's Gelato officially hit the streets, bringing small-batch, hand-crafted gelato to Maryland communities.
2016
Official Launch Year
Two years of dedication, planning, and building culminated in the launch of Maryland's most authentic gelato experience.
Growth During COVID
When the World Slowed, We Grew
When COVID-19 arrived, the world slowed—but Mike's Gelato grew. With more outdoor gatherings, demand for private events and neighborhood pop-ups surged.
Around this time, Mike's wife Amanda joined full-time after closing her own business due to restrictions.
Outdoor Events
Surging Demand
Pop-Ups
Neighborhood Favorites
Amanda Joins
Full-Time Partnership
Amanda Joins the Craft
A True Partnership
Amanda became essential to the business—managing scheduling, private events, and customer care. Her organizational skills and warm personality helped Mike's Gelato grow into a beloved community staple.
Encouraged by Mike, she completed Gelato University training online in 2021 and continued refining recipes alongside him.
Event Management
Scheduling & Customer Care
Gelato University Graduate
Online Training, 2021
Expansion
Growing to Serve More Communities
As requests poured in, Mike and Amanda realized they needed to expand. In 2025, they built a second gelato truck, enabling them to serve even more communities across Maryland.
Truck #1
Since 2016
The original truck that started it all, still serving authentic gelato across Maryland.
Truck #2
Launched 2025
Expanding our reach to bring handcrafted gelato to even more neighborhoods and events.
Serving Maryland Communities
2
Gelato Trucks
100%
Handcrafted
10+
Years of Service
Family at the Center
Growing Up With Gelato
Today, Mike and Amanda run Mike's Gelato with their three children, who are growing up surrounded by the sweet smell of gelato and community.
Family is at the heart of everything—from the way they craft each batch to the relationships they build with customers.
Made With Love
Every batch crafted with family care
Community First
Building relationships one scoop at a time
Next Generation
Teaching values through craft
No Shortcuts, No Premixes
Unlike many gelaterias that use premade mixes, Mike's Gelato is made completely from scratch using only the finest ingredients. Every scoop reflects true Italian roots and handcrafted quality.
Fresh Ingredients
Sourced locally when possible
Traditional Methods
Italian techniques learned in Bologna
Handcrafted
Small batches made with care
Premium Quality
No artificial ingredients
The Mike's Gelato Difference
Most Gelaterias
- Premade mixes
- Artificial flavors
- Mass production
- Generic recipes
Mike's Gelato
- Made from scratch
- All-natural ingredients
- Small-batch crafting
- Authentic Italian methods
Growth During COVID
Great gelato starts with passion and ends with a smile.
We're dedicated to bringing you the most authentic Italian gelato, one scoop at a time.
Passion
Love for authentic Italian craft
Quality
Only the finest ingredients
Joy
Bringing smiles to every customer
