One year ago today, Sevim and Yalcin Ataman opened Fainting Goat Gelato here in Wallingford. But make no mistake—while the store is fairly new, the Atamans are veteran gelato makers. Prior to coming over to the United States in 1997, they owned a gelato shop for 20 years in their native city, Izmir, located on the west side of Turkey.
When they moved to the U.S., the Atamans wanted to take some time to perfect their English and learn more about setting up a business here before opening another shop. Initially, Sevim worked in food service for the Mukilteo School District; Yalcin managed a local Pizza Hut while taking English classes and raising their three daughters – now 30, 27 and 17.
Last year, the Atamans were ready to start their business. They chose Wallingford for its convenient walking area, and to be close to their eldest daughter, who just gave birth to their first grandson, Atlas. Their youngest plans to attend UW in the fall and the Atamans will be ready to relocate from Mukilteo and move closer to their shop.
“We really love the people of Wallingford. Everyone has been so good to us,” Sevim graciously admits, adding that people always tell them they want the store to stay in the area. And stay they will, despite the fact that they aren’t the only ones serving frozen dessert on 45th. They don’t feel that QFC’s new gelato bar or Molly Moon’s takes away any of their business.
“I tell everyone she (Molly Moon) does great ice cream and we’re doing really, really good gelato.”
While they’ve talked about opening another store, they prefer to keep the business small because “it’s more romantic,” according to Sevim, and they don’t want to give up on the quality. “It’s not just for business,” she adds, “this is also for our enjoyment. It’s fun.”
The fun is what keeps customers coming back for more, and every month, they try to do a new flavor for variety. Lately, customers have been enjoying salted caramel, pink grapefruit or my personal favorite, Nutella—which is a chocolate-hazelnut flavor. Over St. Patrick’s Day, Sevim concocted Irish Coffee and Guinness flavors, which were big hits in the ‘hood.
So stop by for a scoop of Wallyhood Honey Rose, or grab a pint to go, and ask Sevim to show you a picture of her new grandson. You’ll be glad you did, and you’ll be back for more!
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The honey rose is really nice. Summery! And the salted caramel rocks too!
Great gelato, but I wish they had the basics–vanilla, chocolate, strawberry–so I could convince my kids to get a treat there. 🙁
They should have nothing to worry about competition. Their gelato is so much better than Molly Moon’s ice cream. I love their salted caramel.
My kids loved the Mango we got there one time. The next time we went they were very disappointed that it was no longer on the menu.
@Dudeski — they had regular chocolate & vanilla yesterday. Good luck!
Isn’t there a restaurant nearby named “The Stumbling Goat”?
Is there a connection?
@Tim, The Stumbling Goat is on Phinney Ridge; but no, there is no connection. You can read a humorous story as to how The Stumbling Goat got its name here:
http://www.stumblinggoat.com/staff-and-story.html
ok, so how did the “Fainting Goat” get their name?
Good question. I’ll ask Sevim and post it here.
I was in Fainting Goat over the weekend, and there is an interview posted in which the owners explain the name. I don’t remember all of the details, but here is the gist:
Goat milk is used in the gelato.
Some goats faint: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fainting_goat
That’s cute.
Thank you Stacey! I do remember they use goat’s milk in the gelato, but I wasn’t sure if that was solely the reason!
I tried out the special Wallyhood Honey Rose (along with chocolate and salted caramel!). The Honey Rose is quite tasty and I took home a pint. I wish perhaps it had a little more honey flavor than rose, but it’s still pretty darned good. So far the plain chocolate is my favorite though.