PORTLAND, Ore. — Bend-based Bonta Gelato will open a new shop Friday in Portland's Pearl District, with a grand opening celebration from 1 to 10 p.m., offering free kids scoops, the company said.

Bonta was named the best ice cream in Oregon — and 29th in the U.S. — by Yelp. The shop specializes in gelato, the Italian-style frozen dessert made with less milk fat than traditional ice cream, resulting in a denser, smoother and more flavorful treat.

The new location, at 207 Northwest 10th Avenue, is just around the corner from fellow Central Oregon favorite Deschutes Brewing.

Bonta first opened in 2016 and has expanded to six shops in Oregon. The Pearl District store is its first location outside the Bend area.

"We are grateful to join a city known for some of the best ice cream and desser

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