Dojo Gelato
Originally from Austin, Texas, Michael Christner was drawn to Over-the-Rhine. When he first came to Findlay Market as a visitor, he realized just how uniquely amazing it is and thought that it was a no brainer to start a business here. At the time, there were no full-time dessert vendors at the market. Michael tells us that he always had a sort of entrepreneurial spirit and wanted to bring a funky artistic approach to ice cream.
After creating a 40-page business plan and presenting it the Corporation for Findlay Market’s president at the time, Michael realized how very serendipitous it was as CFFM had been looking for an ice cream vendor to join Findlay Market. In the early years of Dojo Gelato, Michael made all the gelato at his stand in two huge gelato freezers. Between Tuesdays and Fridays, he would make the gelato, and then during the weekend, he would sell the gelato to customers.
Michael’s advice for anyone looking to start their own business is to have a laser focus and passion. “You have to really want it. The sacrifice never stops,” says Michael.
Michael has a high respect for the multi-generational businesses in Findlay Market. “They are what make Findlay Market, Findlay Market,” says Michael.
Michael appreciates the eclectic makeup of the market with the butchers, fishmongers, and farmers. He loves the local community pride in Cincinnati, from the locals who visit Findlay Market regularly to the out-of-town visitors who are first introduced to gelato by Dojo Gelato.
Michael tells us that the regular customers are the most rewarding part of his business. “It really puts in context how long I’ve been doing this when I start having people apply to work here that used to come to the stand when they were in grade school,” says Michael.
Michael takes pride in hiring folks who have never worked in food service before to help foster them along and get them through school. Michael is always very mindful of having a menu that is approachable for everyone, price-wise.
After being at the market for 13 years, Michael has seen the changes that Findlay Market has undergone. “The market has changed a lot and for the better,” says Michael. “It’s amazing to have this view of the market from my stand and watch it grow over the years.”
Michael tells us that the market has become more visible throughout the city, but he is still left in disbelief that older generations of people who have lived in Cincinnati their entire lives have never been to Findlay Market.
Being the child of a gelato business-owner definitely has its perks as Michael’s two kids are spoiled about it and get gelato all the time. They are the first to know what flavors are being created and are always happy to provide flavor suggestions to the kitchen. For Michael, he loves all of the flavors, but being a traditionalist, he loves a scoop of pistachio and Belgian chocolate.
Outside of creating delicious gelato flavors, Michael enjoys cycling, yoga, spending time with his family, and enjoying music, arts and culture. Next time you’re at Findlay Market, stop by Dojo Gelato to try one (or three!) of the many delicious flavors offered and say hello to Michael. He tells us that his customers truly mean everything to him!
Published: May 2022