Boccato To Make Comeback With Future Del Ray Store

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Boccato, a former gelato and coffee shop in Clarendon, will reemerge in Del Ray.

Del Ray Boccato is anticipated to open in August at 2400 Mount Vernon Avenue, according to the Del Ray Business Association. The business will offer homemade gelatos, empanadas, pastries, gelato shakes and coffee.

"We have long wanted to have a Del Ray location," said owner Cristian Velasco in a statement. "Boccato has and always will be a shop that welcomes all people, and we look forward to welcoming you at our Del Ray location."

Velasco addressed his former partnership with Killer E.S.P. owner Rob Shelton, who faced backlash for his alleged views on politics and the coronavirus. Shelton's alleged views — posted on Killer E.S.P.'s social media — and opposition to coronavirus restrictions led several staff members to quit. Velasco and Shelton were partners when the Clarendon Boccato location opened a decade ago. But Velasco said that partnership was over before Killer E.S.P. had opened in 2011.

"Shortly after the initial Boccato location in Clarendon was created 10 years ago, Rob and I parted ways, due to difference in our business philosophy and approach," Velasco said. "Since then, we have no relationship and have not been in contact."

In 2018, Boccato announced it would move out of its Clarendon location and seek a new home. The Cowork Cafe has remained in the Clarendon location.