The entrepreneurial Gerry Taft has come a long way since selling hot dogs in front of the old Home Hardware and The Valley Echo buildings in downtown Invermere, while still just a teenager.

He transitioned from hot dog cart, to concession stand to Gerry’s Gelati, one of the more popular stops in downtown Invermere. Business expansion later led him to Radium Hot Springs and into the coffee roasting business.

However, current District of Invermere Mayor, Regional District of East Kootenay director and BC NDP candidate for the Columbia River-Revelstoke Riding in the upcoming election, Taft, 34, has sold the businesses he spent the past 13 years building.

He announced on Facebook today that on January 1, “Crystal and Stu of Leo Burrito will be taking over Gerry’s Gelati (Invermere location, gelato production, Radium location, and coffee roasting).

“There have been so many great memories, and so much fun. The decision to sell is bitter sweet – and I know I will miss it – well some of it. I’m looking forward to hopefully seeing lots of people over the next week and a bit. And I am happy to have the time to dedicate to the election to hopefully become the next MLA,” Taft said.

“I would like to sincerely thank all of the regular customers and the staff over the years. There have been so many – and I’m happy to be friends with a lot of you. Thanks to Nozomi, Kelvin, and Piper for all of your hard work and support. All of the existing staff at Gerry’s Gelati had the opportunity to work with the new owners, my understanding is not all of them have chosen to do so – and I wish them the best luck in their future!”

Taft concluded by quoting Taylor Swift: “And because every big announcement needs a strange quote from someone famous: ‘This is a new year. A new beginning. And things will change.’”

e-KNOW

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