A one-of-a-kind Japanese shaved ice café is making its way to Jamaica Plain.
Gori & Co. is preparing to open at 660B Centre St in the former home of Bluefin, reports Jamaica Plain News. Bluefin shuttered its brick-and-mortar shop in March but still operates at farmers’ markets across Greater Boston.
Owner Delasie Dela-Seshie Jr. told What Now Boston that Gori & Co. will be the city’s first kakigōri-inspired café. Kakigōri is a traditional Japanese dessert made from ultra-finely shaved ice and topped with flavored syrups, creams, fruit, and other ingredients.
“The texture is closer to a perfect fresh snow rather than the snow cones or slushes that come to mind,” explained Delasie. “It melts in your mouth without freezing it. The best way I can describe it is that it feels like eating a cloud.”
A Boston native who grew up in Dorchester, Delasie said he never had much love for snow growing up—that is, until he experienced kakigōri during a trip to Japan. After trying it for the first time, he knew he wanted to bring that experience back home.
“If I could describe what I’m aiming for, it’s simple: I want people to walk in, take a bite, and have one of those rare moments where everything goes quiet for a second,” he shared.
Gori & Co.’s seasonally-rotating menu will feature a variety of shaved ice creations made using locally sourced fruit, house-made syrups, and layered toppings. Compared to traditional American snow cones, the desserts will be less sugary, though guests will still be able to customize sweetness levels to their liking.
The upcoming café is expected to seat approximately 15 to 18 guests. Initial flavor offerings are expected to include:
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- Strawberry Cream: fresh strawberry syrup, vanilla cream, and crispy bites throughout
- Chocolate: house-made chocolate syrup layered with chocolate mousse
- Chamoy Sunset: diced mango, pineapple compote, and chamoy
- Mango Coconut Sticky Rice: inspired by the classic Thai dessert with mango syrup, coconut milk, and sticky rice
- Green Tea Red Bean: matcha syrup paired with sweet red bean
Beyond kakigōri, Delasie eventually plans to introduce onigiri and other globally inspired small bites. A full opening menu will be be shared soon.
Gori & Co. is currently targeting an early summer 2026 opening, with hopes of welcoming guests before the end of June. The business is currently running a NuMarket campaign, allowing supporters to contribute funds in exchange for perks and future rewards while helping bring the concept to life.
