Ribbon Cut, Gelato Sampled at 'Applause'

Above, Raye Lynn Mercer cuts the ribbon for Applause while Marcie DiChiara and Jeff Roy hold the ends.

Just before 5 pm, a small crowd gathered on Main Street adjacent to the Franklin School for the Performing Arts, the occasion being a ribbon cutting for the area's newest business, Applause -- a combination gelateria and gift shop, also founded by Raye Lynn Mercer.

The concept and design of the space and management of the renovation has been under the direction of Marcie DiChiara and Kylie Bodiya of Franklin. “It has been a thrilling opportunity to be a part of the creative design team for Applause,” DiChiara notes. From inception to the final finishing touches, we really strived to created a particularly unique and inviting aesthetic. I think Franklin residents will be excited to have this new addition in the heart of their downtown.”

Applause is located at 34 Main Street, telephone 508-507-7482

According to its web site, Applause can claim to be the first Gelateria in Franklin and the only one within 20 miles, though Joe Degaetano, proprietor of nearby Ferrara's market might differ on those points. (He says his gelato will return soon; supply chain problems are keeping a freezer out of service for the moment.)

Mercer said the concept and business plan for Applause grew out of conversations with DiChiara on long drive to New York back in the fall, and now it is a reality, joining her Intermission Cafe, which is on the back side of the same building.

Flavors that will be offered in rotation include "Argetine Sea Salt Caramel, Italian Espresso, Limoncello Sorbet, Tiramisu, Sicilian Blood Orange, and even Cookie Butter. "