Living upstairs from your own gelato cafe, sounds like an Italian dessert lover’s dream, but it’s a reality for Brian Ugurlu, who opened and manages Sirena Gelato on Harris Ave. in Fairhaven. Brian had spent a summer abroad (University of Washington) in Italy and came back knowing what he wanted to do. His sister Melissa helps as well. Their parents, Fahri and Robin Ugurlu, are also involved.

“I can’t think of a place more fun than one that serves gelato and desserts,” said Brian. “No one goes into a gelato cafe in a bad mood, and Fairhaven is the perfect place for it.”

The cafe is located in the Harris Square building at 960 Harris Avenue in the historic Fairhaven district on the south side of Bellingham, WA.

The family was trained together by Leonardo Mazzero (a third generation gelato artisan from Venice, Italy). He taught the Ugurlu’s the fine art of gelato, sorbet, and sherbet preparation using the company’s all natural ingredients. Mazzero explained that gelato has been consumed in Italy for more than 2000 years, starting with the Romans bringing snow from the mountains in terracotta vessels and mixing it with fruit and sugar. Even residents of Pompeii obtained snow from Mt. Vesuvius for that purpose—until the volcano buried the city.

The Ugurlu family has generously donated to local charities for the past decade contributing to St. Joseph Hospital, WWU, UW, Rotary Clubs, Hospice, Brain Tumor research, schools, sports teams, cheerleaders, clubs, churches, etc. They enjoy fundraising for local charities and giving back to the community.