Local Apple Cart & Gelato Gelato - Woman-Owned Small Businesses in Fort Wayne
Rachel's Inspiration: Apple Cart in Cleveland
The story of the Local Apple Cart begins with Rachel Nally, inspired by her childhood haunt, the Apple Cart, a beloved ice cream stand nestled in the heart of Cleveland, Ohio. Growing up in Cleveland's inner city presented its share of challenges—times were tough, and every day was a struggle. But amidst the chaos, the Apple Cart stood as a steadfast beacon of reliability. Its seasonal openings and closings were predictable, its menu offerings consistent, and its owner ever-friendly. Such stability proved invaluable in Rachel's youth, setting the stage for her first job and igniting a passion for future entrepreneurial endeavors.
Today, the Local Apple Cart is celebrated for its delectable homemade ice cream infused with locally sourced fruits, served fresh from our charming food truck. We meticulously craft our ice creams using seasonal fruits to ensure every spoonful bursts with juicy sweetness. From indulgent sundaes to refreshing floats, our menu boasts an array of sweet and cold treats, including freshly dipped strawberries, frozen bananas, crisp apples, and our signature homemade soft serve. Just follow the trail of sprinkles to find our adorable pink truck. The food truck has traveled to events in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio.
Our Former Local Apple Cart Ice Cream Shop
In November 2022, we made the exciting transition from food truck to full-time brick-and-mortar establishment at Union Street Market. Alongside our beloved soft serve, we've introduced a tantalizing selection of homemade hard dip ice creams, featuring plenty of creative and vegan options. And for those seeking an extra kick, why not indulge in our alcohol-infused treats? Picture a whole Pineapple filled with Dole Whip, Tequila, Cherry juice, and crowned with whipped cream—a blissful symphony of flavors. Of course, we haven't forgotten our food truck favorites, including frozen bananas dipped in chocolate and our irresistible caramel apples. The experience gained at Union Street Market was instrumental in our growth, leading us to the exciting opportunity to serve more of Fort Wayne at Glenbrook Square.
November 2025 marked another significant change for the Local Apple Cart: a move to a new location within Glenbrook Square. This transition allowed us to bring our cherished treats to even more of the Fort Wayne community. Embracing a new setting, our shop within the mall proudly operates under the name Gelato Gelato, a Local Apple Cart shop. Here, amidst the bustling energy of the mall, you can discover the same commitment to quality and deliciousness that defined the Local Apple Cart, now with a special focus on exquisite handmade gelato creations alongside some of your familiar favorites. You can see us making new flavors of gelato from scratch in the shop every week.
We're bursting with excitement for this new chapter and can't wait to share our passion for delicious treats with you.