Recipe For Success Lets Yardley Pastry Chefs Create Concoctions

YARDLEY, PA —Sally Gadea wanted to start a business in her old Bucks County stomping grounds.

Gadea and her husband Jemil both had more than 35 years of combined culinary arts experience and were seasoned pastry chefs. But starting a bakery and gelato business wasn't so easy despite their impressive credentials.

So they reached out to a Bucks County organization for help. And now Panna Gelateria serves up tasty treats in the heart of Yardley at 25 S. Main St. since July. The business recently had a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by borough officials to welcome them to the neighborhood.

“The response of support and enthusiasm from our local community has been overwhelming and wonderful,” Sally Gadea said. “When we chose the location, we factored the nearby businesses and the local farmers market, but we could have never expected the most important aspect, which is that Yardley has a lot of local pride and shows up for small businesses.”

Through the help of SCORE Bucks County, a business plan and financial projections were created for Panna Gelateria in April 2021.

The couple has formal culinary arts degrees and has worked for many years in prestigious dining establishments in Washington D.C.

Jemil even put his skills to the test, beating out other chefs to craft winning desserts on an episode of “Chopped Sweets” in 2020.

But running a business was a challenge not easily addressed with a spatula and mixing bowl.

“We could have never made this dream a reality without the help of our mentor, Krishna Akella,” the couple said. “We had a dream, but our skills are in the kitchen, not with spreadsheets and financial projections. Krishna spent endless hours patiently walking through the process with us."

Akella commended the Gadeas for their early success, especially given the challenges of relocating, selling their property in Maryland, and raising their daughter, Sofia.

“Kudos to both of you for staying focused and making the Panna Gelateria dream come to fruition,” Akella said. “I personally think that you can make anything, or any new dream happens with your combined strengths and focus - like selling a million gelatos by the end of this decade.”

Jemil, a 2017 Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington RAMMY Best Pastry Chef winner, creates fresh gelato, while Sally, who has nearly a decade of experience as an executive pastry chef at The Hamilton in Washington D.C. makes bakery goods and manages the business.

The dozen gelato traditional and unique flavors change weekly. Similarly, Sally likes to keep customers on their toes in terms of which bakery treats she’ll have available.

“We don’t stick to any strict menu,” she said. “I don’t want it to be something that’s too committal. I like people to be curious.”

Some of the popular items include chocolate chip cookies and galette (a French pastry like a pie or tart). Panna also serves scratch-made breakfast pastries and desserts, as well as coffee, and fresh specialty Italian products. Panna takes orders and offers catering, but does not bake layered cakes, such as birthday cakes.

Looking ahead, Sally hopes to increase the number of days the business is open next spring, add a manager and more staff.

"The road was long, longer than we thought it would be, but it felt important to keep going,” the couple said.

She and Jemil have also discussed possibly buying a gelato cart for use at weddings, festivals, and farmers markets. Eventually, they may also expand to a second location.

“We are excited to keep walking this path and see what’s next,” she said. “It’s helpful to know we can reach out to Krishna or SCORE for assistance as we grow.”

About SCORE
Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 11 million aspiring entrepreneurs. Each year, SCORE provides small business mentoring and workshops to more than 375,000 new and growing small businesses.

With 50 members across the county, SCORE Bucks County provides over 1,500 free mentoring services annually to local small business owners through one-on-one counseling and small business seminars. To stay up to date on news and happenings, join SCORE Bucks County’s email list. Text SCOREBUCKS to 22828.