Established
2000
Franchise Units
50
Minimum Investment
$350,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$550,000
Home Based
No
Description
Paciugo Gelato & Caffè is a premium artisan gelato franchise that brings authentic Italian gelato culture to the United States. Known for its handcrafted recipes, vibrant café atmosphere, and elevated dessert experience, Paciugo has carved out a distinct position in the competitive frozen dessert and café segment. Unlike mass-produced ice cream brands, Paciugo emphasizes small-batch gelato made fresh daily, using high-quality ingredients sourced and prepared to traditional Italian standards.
The brand appeals to modern consumers who seek indulgence without compromise—rich flavor profiles, lower butterfat content than ice cream, and an experiential café environment that encourages repeat visits. With a versatile menu that includes gelato, sorbetto, espresso drinks, affogatos, pastries, and seasonal specialties, Paciugo operates as both a dessert destination and a neighborhood café.
For franchise investors, Paciugo offers a refined, scalable concept with strong brand recognition, a loyal customer base, and flexible real estate formats. Its positioning as an upscale yet approachable gelato café makes it suitable for urban centers, lifestyle plazas, college towns, and high-foot-traffic suburban markets across the USA.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in Paciugo Gelato & Caffè means entering a resilient and emotionally driven category—premium desserts and café culture—where customer loyalty and repeat purchases are exceptionally strong.
Key investment advantages include:
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Authentic Italian gelato concept with proven consumer demand
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Strong differentiation from traditional ice cream and frozen yogurt brands
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Multi-daypart revenue model (dessert, coffee, afternoon & evening traffic)
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Flexible footprint options, including inline and non-traditional locations
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Scalable operations with centralized recipes and standardized processes
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Premium branding that supports strong per-ticket averages
Background
Established Year: 2000
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Founders: Ugo and Kris Bartolomucci
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Industry Category: Premium Gelato & Café / Frozen Desserts
Paciugo was founded in Dallas, Texas, with a simple but ambitious vision: to introduce Americans to true Italian gelato as it is enjoyed in Italy. The founders drew inspiration from family traditions and European café culture, focusing on freshness, craftsmanship, and hospitality.
Over the years, Paciugo has expanded steadily through franchising, building a strong presence across multiple U.S. states. The brand has refined its operating systems, menu innovation, and franchise support model, allowing it to scale while preserving product quality and brand integrity.
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Franchise Active Units: Approximately 50+ locations across the USA
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Market Presence: Strong foothold in Texas with expansion across major metro and suburban markets
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Ownership Model: Franchised, with centralized brand and operational oversight
Paciugo’s longevity and consistent growth reflect its ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences while staying true to its artisan roots.
Support Training
Paciugo Gelato & Caffè offers comprehensive, end-to-end franchise support designed to guide owners from initial onboarding through long-term operations.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and demographic analysis
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Store layout, design standards, and equipment specifications
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Vendor sourcing and supply chain setup
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Pre-opening marketing and local launch planning
Training & Operational Support
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In-depth initial training covering gelato production, food safety, café operations, and customer service
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On-site opening assistance
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Standard operating procedures for daily operations and quality control
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Inventory management and cost-control systems
Marketing & Brand Support
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National branding and promotional campaigns
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Digital marketing tools and social media guidance
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Seasonal menu launches and limited-time offerings
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Local store marketing strategies to drive repeat traffic
Ongoing Support
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Dedicated franchise support team
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Continuous product innovation and recipe development
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Performance benchmarking and operational reviews
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Ongoing training refreshers and system updates
This structured support framework allows franchisees to focus on execution and customer experience while benefiting from a proven system.
Ideal Candidate
Paciugo is best suited for hands-on or semi-absentee owners who value quality, hospitality, and brand presentation.
Ideal candidates typically include:
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Entrepreneurs seeking a premium food & beverage brand
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Multi-unit operators looking to diversify into desserts or cafés
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Owner-operators with strong customer service orientation
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Investors with retail, restaurant, or hospitality experience
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Passion for artisan food concepts and community engagement
Key traits:
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Ability to meet investment requirements
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Strong people-management and leadership skills
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Commitment to brand standards and product quality
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Interest in high-traffic urban or suburban locations
Prior gelato or café experience is not mandatory, as comprehensive training and support are provided.
Financial Detail
| Cost / Fee Category | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $350,000 – $550,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | ~$350,000 |
| Initial Franchise Fee | ~$35,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements & Build-Out | $120,000 – $200,000 |
| Equipment, Fixtures & Signage | $80,000 – $120,000 |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Technology & POS Systems | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Initial Marketing & Grand Opening | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Training Expenses (Travel & Lodging) | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 months) | $40,000 – $60,000 |
| Royalty Fee | ~6% of Gross Sales |
| National Brand Marketing Fund | ~2% of Gross Sales |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 18 – 30 Months |
| Projected ROI Potential | Location & operations dependent |
Figures are estimates and may vary based on market, store size, and local construction costs.