A tasty treat and scoop of CSR at Tyler’s Gelatte Stone

It’s not just about serving an Italian treat with a local twist. Since opening in 2021 at the Sugar King Park, Tyler’s Gelatte Stone has been heavily involved in the community, from creating events to promote other businesses and nonprofit organizations, as well as recognizing low-key community servants and trailblazers. In a way, it’s leading its contemporaries in the corporate social responsibility field.

The creamery’s Small Business Sundays, where they invite other small businesses to sell products and network at their location in Sugar King Park, has not only helped other small businesses gain customers but, according to Tyler’s Gelatte Stone owner and founder Ben Babauta, it also paved the way for the Most Badass People awards, where they recognize some of the unsung heroes of the community.

“Since doing Small Business Sundays, I’ve come across so many hardworking individuals, many risk takers, many ceiling breakers, who hardly get any recognition. So I decided that, instead of waiting for someone to recognize these individuals, I’ll recognize them myself,” he said. The Most Badass awarding ceremony this year was the first of its kind, and Babauta said they are looking forward to making it an annual event if funding and other factors permit.

Babauta understands some of the struggles and doubts other small business owners face, as he himself is one, and obstacles are very familiar sights.

“I faced a lot of obstacles, including running a business itself: seeing if the gelato/ice cream market would flourish on Saipan, sometime ingredients issues because of shipments from the vendors, and monthly expenses that came with the business,” he said.

The creamery itself was birthed during one of the hardest times for small businesses. Babauta said he was introduced to gelato in 2020, when he and a friend visited a small gelato shop in Japan. He described the experience as “amazing,” prompting him to wonder why there isn’t a gelato shop on Saipan.

“So when I got back I ordered a home gelato maker and started to experiment. But it wasn’t until 2021 in January that I ordered a commercial gelato maker and it took months to get here,” he said.

He had just lost his job due to the COVID-19 pandemic “and a week later, the commercial gelato machine arrived. So I decided to go full force with opening the business. And that’s how Tyler’s Gelatte Stone was born,” he added.

The year 2023 was not without its share of obstacles. The road construction in the area made it difficult for people to access Sugar King Park this year and that has impacted foot traffic and their business. Yet, Tyler’s Gelatte Stone was able to host two Small Business Sundays and present the inaugural Most Badass awards of 2023.

Babauta said he draws motivation from his son, Tyler, who is the namesake of the shop, as well as people’s energy to do something for the community.

Among the events they will be involved in this coming year include the 2024 Marianas March Against Cancer and Miss Bikini Marianas 2024.

As for some shop improvements they’re looking forward to make

As for the shop, he said they are seeking to expand their menu in 2024. With dozens on social media posting their support and displaying pictures of the shop’s bussin Chamolinian Chocolate, Leche Lantiyas, Mange Mango, Dudus Dragon Fruit Sorbet, Nutella Brownie, Pikaru Pistachio, and more, Babauta said they want to try out burgers.

“We are expanding, and looking to offer burgers at our shop. We have launched some days but we are looking to expand the menu,” he said.

If he could sum up the growth of Tyler’s Gelatte Stone in one word, Babauta said it would be “unconventional.”

“We started with selling gelatos, our gelato names are unconventional. Then hosting Small Business Sundays is unconventional. Then hosting an award show to honor and recognize young professionals in our community is unconventional. Selling burgers from a gelato shop is unconventional. And we love breaking barriers and pushing the limits of a small business on Saipan,” he said.

His message to other business owners and entrepreneurs? “Take the calculated risk! Find a mentor and learn from them. A customer will become a friend faster than a friend will become a customer.”

On a personal level he shared “Personally, I am involved with the community because I want to use my platform to give back to the community. It makes me feel good. I feel like if I could inspire people to give back or make a difference, it’ll keep going and our community will benefit from it.”

That unquenchable spirit to give back and help the community is what makes Ben Babauta and Tyler’s Gelatte Stone stand out. The shop continues to show true Marianas spirit, doing business while helping other small businesses and nonprofits along the way, not to mention highlighting the many other individuals who also show Marianas pride and spirit. For this reason and more, Saipan Tribune recognizes Ben Babauta and his Tyler’s Gelatte Stone the 2023 Small Business of the Year.