Community Highlights: Meet Lalo Fuentes of Allora Gelato

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lalo Fuentes.

Hi Lalo, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Absolutely! Allora Gelato was born from a spark of inspiration on the island of Capri in 2014, where one unforgettable scoop sparked a journey that’s still unfolding today. I was wandering through the streets when I caught the scent of warm waffle cones drifting through the air. I followed the line of 60+ people wrapped around a tiny gelateria and, the moment I took that first bite, I knew—this was more than dessert. It was an experience. Right then and there, I told my friends, “I’m going to open a gelato shop.”

But as life does, that dream got tucked away. Fast forward nearly a decade—and one unforgettable global journey later—and that idea came roaring back to life. My fiancé, Ciara, and I sold everything we owned and spent 1.5 years traveling the world, immersing ourselves in the craft of gelato-making and exploring flavors, textures, and traditions in every corner we touched.

We studied classic techniques in Europe and found unexpected inspiration in places where gelato was rare. In Morocco and Turkey, we explored fragrant spices, honey-soaked pastries, and slow-poured mint teas that shifted our understanding of how layered and sensory dessert could be. In Southeast Asia, we learned how natural sweetness can surprise you—from coconut water to jackfruit to sweet potato desserts simmered in coconut milk. And in Singapore, we were struck by how nostalgia and innovation could exist side by side.

Everywhere we went, flavors found us. Some of our current menu staples—like Ricotta & Croatian Fig, Greek Yogurt, and Coconut Almond Crunch—are directly inspired by our time abroad. Others, like our Vegan Dark Chocolate and Balinese Coconut Sorbet, were fine-tuned after tasting and testing in some of the most iconic gelaterias in Rome, Athens, and Bali.

But Allora Gelato was never just about flavors.

It was about bringing back that original magic from Capri. From the ambient music inspired by a chic spot in Bratislava, to the warm, timeless interiors drawn from Bali and Tulum, to the traditional Italian-style ordering process (first choose your size, then your flavors)—we wanted every moment inside Allora to feel like a little escape. A tucked-away gem in the heart of Scottsdale, Arizona.

And in a full-circle twist, we returned to Capri years later—where I proposed to Ciara, right near the Faraglioni rocks. That moment sealed it. We weren’t just talking about Allora anymore. We were ready to build it.

We opened our doors with the smell of freshly made waffle cones drifting into the air. Lines quickly began forming, and we watched customers experience their own little moment of discovery with every bite.

Today, Allora Gelato is more than just a gelato shop. It’s a love letter to the craft, to travel, and to the idea that dessert can be transportive. We make everything in small batches, fresh in-house each day—from our gelato to our gluten-free waffle cones—using natural ingredients and organic whenever possible. We offer seasonal, globally inspired flavors and design every detail around creating a memorable, joy-filled experience.

It’s a dream realized—and we’re just getting started.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not exactly—and that’s part of what makes Allora what it is today.

From the very start, everything about opening our gelato shop in Scottsdale was hands-on. We smoothed the walls ourselves, painted, tore out the floors, and designed the space from scratch. It was a crash course in construction, hospitality, and creativity—powered by late nights, determination, and more YouTube videos than we care to admit.

Finding the right team took time. At first, it was difficult to hire people who truly understood the level of hospitality and detail we were aiming for. But once we found the right crew, it clicked. Today, they’re a huge part of what makes the Allora experience feel so personal.

Recipe development has been a journey of its own. We spent months refining our gelato base, experimenting until we struck the perfect balance of texture and flavor using real, premium ingredients—no shortcuts, no artificial anything. Our gluten-free waffle cones went through just as many trials to get that warm, golden crunch just right.

And when it came to our granita, we reimagined it entirely. Inspired by what we first tasted in Taormina, Italy, we gave it an Allora twist—made with organic coconut water, roasted pistachios, and topped not with whipped cream, but our housemade ricotta whip, infused with real vanilla beans. It’s a subtle reinvention—honoring tradition, while bringing it into the present with freshness, intention, and soul. That same spirit led us to introduce our cold brew floats—our take on a cold affogato. We’re not coffee experts, but we knew we couldn’t serve mediocre espresso with our gelato. So we sourced a super-premium cold brew and created something refreshing, high-quality, and perfect for the Arizona heat.

Every challenge taught us something, and every detail—from flavor to flooring—was part of building something we believed in. Allora Gelato wasn’t born from ease. It was built with intention.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Allora Gelato?
At Allora Gelato, we specialize in handcrafted gelato and gluten-free waffle cones, made fresh daily in the heart of Scottsdale, Arizona. Every batch is churned from scratch using real, premium ingredients—no artificial flavors, no colorants, no shortcuts. Our shop is inspired by the old-world gelaterias of Italy, where the experience of getting gelato is just as important as the product itself.

What sets us apart is our commitment to honoring tradition while adding a touch of thoughtful innovation. We don’t just serve gelato—we serve moments. From the warm scent of cones baking in-house to the way each flavor is introduced by our team, every detail is designed to feel intentional and welcoming.

We’re known for our hospitality, our clean ingredients, and our bold yet balanced flavors like Ricotta & Croatian Fig, Bourbon Salted Caramel, Mesquite Honey Lavender, and Vegan Dark Chocolate. We also rotate in seasonal flavors monthly, so there’s always something new to discover. Everything we serve—down to our signature granita topped with real ricotta whip—is made with care and integrity.

Brand-wise, we’re most proud of the feeling guests get when they walk through our doors. People tell us it feels like stepping into a European summer vacation, even if it’s just for ten minutes. That’s the magic we aim to create.

At the end of the day, Allora Gelato is more than dessert—it’s an experience. And we’re so proud to share it with our community in Scottsdale and beyond.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Finding a mentor or building a network isn’t always about looking up—it’s about looking around. For me, the most valuable insights have come from real conversations with other small business owners, chefs, and creatives who are in the thick of it just like I am. Scottsdale has an incredible community of entrepreneurs, and just grabbing a coffee or visiting someone’s space with genuine curiosity can lead to long-term connections.

When we were starting Allora Gelato, we didn’t have a mentor in the traditional sense. We had Google, YouTube, and a lot of trial and error. But the best lessons came from people who were generous with their time and honest about their own journeys—people who weren’t necessarily trying to teach, but just open to sharing.

If I had to give advice, I’d say: be genuinely curious, be kind, and lead with gratitude. Don’t approach people looking for what they can give you—start by showing up, supporting their work, and building from there. Also, don’t underestimate your team. Some of the best ideas and inspiration can come from the people working right beside you.

And finally, stay true to your vision. The right people will find you when you’re building something that matters.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alloragelato.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alloragelatous/