Bacio di Latte Celebrates New Santana Row Gelato Shop with Free Scoops

The Italian-born gelato brand opens its second Northern California location with a fundraiser for Martha's Kitchen.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Bacio di Latte, a popular Italian gelato brand known for its organic ingredients and unique flavors, is celebrating the opening of its new shop at Santana Row in San Jose. To mark the occasion, the gelato shop will be offering free scoops of its handcrafted gelato on Wednesday, February 11th from 1-6 PM, with all customer donations going to support the local nonprofit Martha's Kitchen. Bacio di Latte will match every contribution dollar-for-dollar.

Why it matters

The arrival of Bacio di Latte at Santana Row represents the continued growth of high-quality, artisanal food and beverage options in the popular San Jose shopping district. The gelato shop's commitment to using locally-sourced, organic ingredients also aligns with the increasing consumer demand for sustainable and ethically-produced food.

The details

Bacio di Latte, which translates to 'kiss of milk', was founded in Brazil in 2011 by Italian brothers Edoardo and Luigi Tonolli. The brand now has about 100 shops in Brazil and a dozen in the Los Angeles area. The new Santana Row location is only the second Bacio di Latte shop to open in Northern California, following the 2025 debut at Palo Alto's Stanford Shopping Center. The gelato is made fresh daily using organic Sonoma County milk, Belgian and Italian chocolate, and locally-sourced fruits and nuts.

  • Bacio di Latte opened its first Northern California location at Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto in 2025.
  • The new Santana Row shop in San Jose will celebrate its grand opening on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

The players

Bacio di Latte

An Italian-born gelato brand founded in Brazil in 2011 by brothers Edoardo and Luigi Tonolli. Bacio di Latte is known for using organic, locally-sourced ingredients to make its handcrafted gelato.

Edoardo and Luigi Tonolli

The Italian brothers who founded Bacio di Latte in Brazil in 2011 and have since expanded the brand to about 100 shops in Brazil and a dozen in the Los Angeles area.

Martha's Kitchen

A San Jose-based nonprofit organization that provides meals and other services to those in need in the local community.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Bacio di Latte plans to continue expanding its presence in Northern California, with potential future locations in other high-traffic shopping districts.

The takeaway

The opening of Bacio di Latte's second Northern California location at Santana Row highlights the growing demand for high-quality, artisanal food and beverage options that prioritize sustainable and locally-sourced ingredients. The gelato shop's commitment to community engagement through its fundraiser for Martha's Kitchen also demonstrates its focus on supporting the local San Jose area.