A new gelato shop called Cold Hearted Gelato is now up and running in the Plaza Midwood space where Rita’s Italian Ice used to be.

Why it matters: It’s the brainchild of Chef Elinn Hesse, former chef de cuisine at Bardo and Counter-.

• Hesse moved to Charlotte from NYC about five years ago, where she worked at Michelin Star restaurants.

“I’ve been a chef my whole life, I look at flavors and ingredients first,” she explained when I asked her why she’s opening a gelato shop. “It’s my favorite part, it’s just pure flavor.”

• Hesse says you can expect flavors you won’t get anywhere else, made with botanicals and herbs that are sourced locally.
• Some examples include miso hazelnut gelato and vanilla tonka bean.

The intrigue: Cold Hearted Gelato is located in Midwood Corners, the smaller shopping center at the corner of The Plaza and Central Avenue that’s been in the midst of a significant overhaul.

• Along with getting several new tenants, the shopping center has noticeable aesthetic upgrades (like new awnings and a new façade), plus a new patio/plaza area on the side of the building facing Central.
• Another newcomer: LA-based Dave’s Hot Chicken, which will open where Subway was.

Details: Cold Hearted Gelato will offer 12 flavors, including one to two sorbets depending on the season, and four constants, including the miso hazelnut and vanilla tonka bean.

• It won’t be anything like Rita’s or even Two Scoops down the road. Instead, it’ll cater to those with a “mature palate,” according to Hesse.
• It’s open Wednesday-Thursday 1pm-10pm, Friday-Sunday 11am-11pm, Monday 1pm-10pm. Closed on Tuesdays.