Gelato del Mar, the family-owned gelato shop on Coast Highway in Corona del Mar, is opening a second location at 226 Marine Avenue on Balboa Island, filling the storefront left vacant when Toastique closed.

The shop is already serving customers daily except Mondays. Owner Peter Klebanoff and his family, Newport Beach residents, will host a grand opening celebration on Thursday, Aug. 27, from 5 to 7 p.m.

The event will feature tastings of the shop's gelato, made from scratch without preservatives or artificial flavorings, including its signature Honeycomb flavor and two alcohol-infused varieties. Dog owners can grab a Pup Cup, a non-dairy frozen treat made with human-grade ingredients and no sugar, available in Peanut Butter Banana or Pumpkin Apple.

Two local businesses will join the celebration. Zay'z Artisanal Deli will offer bites of house-made focaccia as a savory pairing, and WELL Alkaline Water, a Corona del Mar brand carried on both Gelato del Mar menus, will sample its naturally alkalized water.

A raffle for a custom Gelato del Mar-wrapped Balboa Island surfboard will benefit the Balboa Island Museum, the donation-funded institution at 210 B Marine Ave. that preserves the island's history.

All proceeds go to the museum.

Klebanoff said the family is grateful to join the Balboa Island community and wants the new shop to be a gathering spot for neighbors, according to the Newport Beach Indy. "As Newport Beach residents, we believe in supporting the community that supports us," he said.

Toastique, a gourmet toast and smoothie concept, opened at the same 226 Marine Ave. address in fall 2023 in a space previously occupied by a Starbucks. Its Yelp listing now shows the business as permanently closed.

Gelato del Mar's other flavors include caramel cookie crunch, chocolate hazelnut, key lime pie and raspberry cheesecake, along with several sorbetto options.

The Aug. 27 celebration is free to attend. The shop is open now at 226 Marine Ave.