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‘I’ve always had a cushy office job,” he says. “I haven’t been in the streets in a long time. That first day was so hot. I lost 20-25 pounds without going to the gym, but you can see the result of your work right then when you see the smile on the customers’ faces.” This is how City Gelato owner Mario Lozanov describes his first day out in Baton Rouge with his mobile gelato carts.

Lozanov offers 10 flavors, ranging from milk and honey and watermelon to classic Italian flavors such as tiramisu and panna cotta. He decides the flavors based on what’s selling, as well as the season. Right now, his lemon and strawberry flavors are the most popular.

“I always use local fruit,” he says. “Ideally, I want to integrate local producers for all the flavors.”

Lozanov has three carts and will expand to five soon. For hours and locations, visit facebook.com/citygelato. —Matthew Sigur

Art, decor and home furnishings retail store Studio C has opened on Government Street at Steele Boulevard near Acadian Thruway. Newly back in Baton Rouge after living eight years in Costa Rica and opening three stores in New York City, owners Greg Vernice and Damien Boisvert bring a vibrant, travel-inspired collection of items to the heart of a redeveloping Mid City. “We really enjoy the experience of finding unique things and bringing those discoveries to a wider audience,” says Vernice. studiocbr.com —Jeff Roedel

Popology, a new gourmet popcorn shop, has opened at the intersection of Bluebonnet Boulevard and Airline Highway. Brimming with custom kernel flavors like dill pickle, grape, cheesecake, caramel, pizza, baked potato and white chocolate pretzel, the store also offers special sports flavors for Saints, Tigers and Jaguars fans as well as plenty of gift ideas. 10330 Airline Highway, Ste. A7. (Map it!) 757-5159. —Matthew Sigur
—M.S.