Paciugo Gelato Franchise Set To Refresh The $26 Billion U.S. Frozen Dessert Sector

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PACIUGO GELATO FRANCHISE SET TO REFRESH

THE $26 BILLION U.S. FROZEN DESSERT SECTOR

Italy's Obsession with Gelato Spreads to the United States

Dallas, TX – Gelato, the centuries-old Italian delicacy, is as common on Italy's street corners as Starbucks in the United States. Now, after seven years of success in the U.S., an Italian entrepreneurial family is emerging as a leader in the frozen dessert sector and is on a mission to give U.S. consumers the "real deal" of authentic gelato.

Paciugo Gelato, (pronounced "pah-choo-go"), is luring new fans of the 'delizioso' Italian gelato experience at a rapid pace, attracting consumers and entrepreneurs interested in the business opportunity. With 24 Paciugo locations in six states in the U.S., and international locations in Acapulco and Mexico City, Paciugo Gelato franchisees have experienced tremendous initial success in their markets. In fact, many have signed agreements to open additional locations, to the tune of 75 new stores, 60 of which are scheduled for grand openings by 2009.

"Based on the success of our existing franchisees and their desire to expand their agreements, we see the Paciugo Gelato franchise brand quickly becoming a household name in this country in a relatively short period of time," said Ugo Ginatta, Paciugo Gelato's founder. "We're accepting new franchisees into our growing franchise family and welcome interested candidates who seek to be a part of filling a growing niche in the frozen dessert sector."

For Ugo and Cristiana Ginatta, founders and husband and wife team, the infatuation over the sweet treat began at an early age. Born and raised in Italy, they continued Cristiana's family tradition and apprenticed at a four-generation gelateria, gaining in-depth knowledge of the gelato artisan techniques and authentic recipes. Along with Ugo's son, Vincenzo, the Ginattas left Italy and arrived in Texas to open their first gelato caffè in Dallas. They now give Americans their own delightful dish of Italia.

"We select only the best ingredients from local farmers and specialized artisans in Italy for our recipes, and we prepare all ingredients by hand to preserve the supreme quality," Ugo said. "Following the traditional recipes, we make our gelato with whole milk, water or soy. Paciugo Gelato is trans fat free, preservative free and does not contain cream or high fructose corn syrup. Because of its high content of protein, calcium, vitamins, and fibers, Paciugo Gelato fits the FDA's standard as healthy food."

With more than 200 flavors, Paciugo, which translates from the dialect of the Italian Riviera as "messy concoction", offers an appeal to every customer's palate.

"We are continually developing new, tasty and healthy concoctions," said Cristiana, Paciugo's Mastro Gelataio. "We create flavors such as Pistachio, Tiramisù and Banana Flambé to more audacious flavors such as Mediterranean Sea Salt Caramel, Black Pepper Olive Oil as well as Sweet Corn Thorntree Honey."

A 'Sweet' Opportunity

The Ginattas immediately received requests for franchising following their first store opening in September 2000. The official UFOC documents were ready in July 2001, however, the Ginatta family decided to postpone the offering. Instead, they worked for three additional years on developing easy-to-follow gelato production systems such as testing real estate models, choosing the best price-per-quality machinery and defining the overall "Paciugo experience."

By the end of 2004 the Ginattas were finally satisfied with the results and Paciugo Gelato officially began its franchise offering. Long-time customers and former Paciugo employees possessing an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for gelato eagerly waited for the first chance to open their own gelateria, and quickly became franchisees.

Paciugo Gelato is a tremendous franchise opportunity, ideal for "outgoing, sociable people" who have management skills, a positive attitude and a desire to become part of a popular emerging food sector.

The cost to open a Paciugo Gelato franchise ranges from $180,000 to $360,000, depending on the city, type and size of the store, including an initial franchise fee of $30,000. The flexible concept can be operated in a 300 square-foot kiosk to a 1200 square-foot gelateria in upscale retail shopping centers and malls.

Paciugo Gelato provides its franchisees initial and ongoing personalized support including site selection and lease negotiation, design and build out of the store, classroom and in-store training, marketing and promotional support, comprehensive operational manuals, and state-of-the-art management information systems. Prior food service experience is not required.

Each Paciugo location freshly prepares its 32-40 flavors of gelato each morning by hand with only the finest ingredients, maintaining the authenticity of Paciugo's signature high-quality gelato. The average price ranges from $2.99 for a single serving of gelato (with a choice of three different flavors) to $6.00 for an order of specialty items.

About Paciugo Gelato

Paciugo Gelato, founded in 2000, began franchising in 2004. The concept was developed by the Ginatta family based on Cristiana's family traditions and following their apprenticeship at a gelateria in Italy. The Paciugo mission is to bring the Italian passion for authentic gelato to customers outside of Europe. Paciugo Gelato offers daily 32-40 flavors of traditional gelato, with over 200 healthy recipes. The menu also includes premier gourmet coffees, gelato cakes, and specialty dessert items. Adding to its existing two corporate owned and 22 franchised locations, the company plans for three new Paciugo Gelato locations to open by the end of 2007, with a total of 60 over the next two years.