A unique and beloved gelateria and dessert chain founded by globally acclaimed chef Jordi Roca permanently closed its doors. Rocambolesc, known for serving fine-dining plated desserts, announced its closure on August 3.
The Houston location operated as a public benefit corporation focused on creating employment opportunities for neurodivergent individuals and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Mission-Driven Gelateria Rocambolesc Shuts Down
Founded in 2012, the Rocambolesc chain is operated by Jordi Roca, a renowned pastry chef at the three-Michelin-starred Spanish restaurant El Celler de Can Roca.
Located in the heart of Uptown Park, the Houston location of the store was opened in 2022 as a public benefit corporation. The Houston location partnered with local organizations and prioritized employment opportunities for neurodivergent individuals and adults with IDD. The storefront featured a Willy Wonka-inspired colorful aesthetic and soft-serve gelatos and creative popsicles.
In an Instagram post, the dessert store shared the heartbreaking news of its closure. They wrote, “A small gelateria with five neurodiverse employees and proof that inclusion works.”
“It allowed us to impact not just five employees, but thousands of individuals and families in the IDD community,” added the team.
The dessert chain thanked the community, customers, and employees and said, “Thank you for believing in us. This chapter is ending, but our journey has only just begun.”
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What Led to the Closure
According to the closure announcement, the team explained that the lease for the store has ended along with the five-year partnership with the Roca brothers.
In the post, the team also explained that the mission was successful; however, the business faced financial challenges. They noted, “Rocambolesc was never a nonprofit; it was a public benefit corporation, a business with a mission. The financial challenges were never a reflection of inclusion or the extraordinary people behind Rocambolesc.”
With an optimistic tone, the store team added that the mission grew beyond a gelateria and led to the creation of internship programs through The HUB, Genuine Catering, and more. This led to the formation of the Genuine Foundation, which supports the IDD community through employment, advocacy, and sports.
The team said the closure of the Houston store does not mark the end of Rocambolesc’s broader mission.
