Stoplight Gelato Cafe opened on July 1st

Tastebuds rejoice.

July 5, 2016; 8:14 AM • by Richard Hayes

Due to travel I missed the opening. Hours aren’t posted yet so I can’t tell you when to swing by Stoplight Gelato Cafe but from the looks of thing you definitely should. Last week they were open from 6:30 AM to either 9:30 PM or 10:30 PM so I would assume the same for this week.

Barbara Given is the driving force behind Stoplight Cafe. The original plan was to open Stoplight Gelato Cafe with her son Bryce. Bryce lost his battle with cancer about a year ago but Barbara and the cafe forged ahead.

In Stoplight’s Team manual, two purposes of the Gelato Café are spelled out. The first is to honor Bryce, his dreams and accomplishments by finishing the Stoplight project and see it flourishing. The second is to celebrate the Jackson Ward community by serving as a conduit for bringing neighbors together in a friendly, fun place to eat, enjoy treats, and experience the pleasure of knowing one another.

As part of this second mission, Team members will take part in Jackson Ward’s cleanup days, and we will provide gelato for those who help make our community one of the cleanest in the City. We will join the Nextdoor website and will encourage others to join, as well. Professionally, I will volunteer my teacher preparation expertise with those working directly with youngsters in the after school tutorial program with the hope that my involvement helps them increase their students’ achievement. At age 80, I can’t think of a better way to grow old.

Every scoop of gelato, every sip of coffee, every pastry and sundae is made with love. The love a mother will always have for her son.

As is often the case with new spots the menu isn’t online yet but Stoplight’s Facebook let’s us know that soup, sandwiches, and salads are on the menu. This past Saturday the special was a grilled cheese and cup of soup for $5 and you’ll be hard pressed to find a better deal in Richmond.