Crafted by Dawn: Jon Snyder's Passion-Driven Journey in NYC's Gelato World
Il Laboratorio del Gelato๐ฆ
Jon Snyderโs path to owning Il Laboratorio del Gelato, one of New York Cityโs most respected gelato makers, was deeply rooted in his familyโs history in the ice cream business. As a teenager, he spent hours working in his familyโs Carvel ice cream store, where he developed both a hands-on understanding of the craft and a love for the trade. At just 19, Jon founded the Ciao Bella Gelato Company in 1984, bringing the authentic taste of Italian gelato to Manhattan, which quickly caught on as an exciting new dessert experience in the city. Five years later, he sold Ciao Bella and took the opportunity to study business, earning both a BS and MBA from Columbia University.
However, after a seven-year stint in investment banking, Jon missed the tangible satisfaction of small business ownership. He was drawn back to frozen desserts and, in 2002, opened Il Laboratorio del Gelato on the Lower East Side with a vision of a "lab" focused on flavor experimentation and development. It quickly became a favorite among locals and top-tier chefs in New York City.
Jonโs dedication to his business is seen in his rigorous daily routine. He starts his day at 2 a.m., overseeing every element of the production process. From making the ice cream to ordering ingredients, managing schedules, planning delivery routes, and loading trucks, Jon is involved in every step. By 8 a.m., he ensures everything is ready for the dayโs deliveries. This demanding routine has been his way of life every Monday through Thursday for over 22 years, underscoring his hands-on approach and passion.
In creating Il Laboratorio del Gelato, Jon blended his commitment to classic, timeless quality with a spirit of innovation. His โlabโ concept allows him to explore flavors beyond the typical vanilla and chocolate, producing nearly 300 unique flavors like Thai chili chocolate and olive oil. Every inch of his workspace is optimized for production, with freezers, ice cream machines, and whiteboards tracking his unique shorthand for ingredients and stock. Jon has a remarkable intuition for the details, knowing exactly where each flavor is stored and the routes for daily deliveries.
Unlike many in the frozen dessert industry who focus on direct-to-consumer sales, Jon built his business by catering to New York Cityโs restaurant sector. He supplies nearly 400 of the cityโs restaurants, including renowned spots like Minetta Tavern and Porterhouse. This B2B model, which brings in approximately $2.3 million annually, helps mitigate the seasonal impact typical of frozen dessert sales. Additionally, he operates a small retail storefront selling surplus from wholesale production, adding around $480,000 per year in retail revenue.
Jonโs unique business practices set him apart in the competitive B2B landscape. He provides free delivery, has no large minimum order requirements, and accepts orders until midnight for next-day delivery. These practices are not gimmicks but reflect his commitment to seamless, flexible service, which has won him the loyalty of chefs and restaurant owners alike.
Although he once experimented with expanding his retail presence by opening a second location in Greenwich Village, Jon eventually chose to focus on his core B2B operations. The new shop generated lower returns, and he realized that concentrating on his main operation yielded better results. Committed to quality over growth, Jon refuses to sell his gelato in supermarkets or license it to other distributors. He prefers a business model that prioritizes quality and personal oversight, foregoing the potential for higher revenues to maintain the meticulous standards that define Il Laboratorio del Gelato.
Today, Jon Snyder continues to uphold the same values that inspired him at the beginning: craftsmanship, quality, and passion. By choosing to stay independent and hands-on, Jon has built Il Laboratorio del Gelato into a business that celebrates both tradition and creativity in the heart of New York City.
Join us: โก๏ธ Instagram | Telegram | X โฌ ๏ธ