Dallas-Based Paciugo Hires Experienced Industry Executive to Lead Company's Growth
April 28, 2009 // Franchising.com // Dallas, Texas – Paciugo Gelato Caffè, a family owned and operated company specializing in artisan Italian Gelato, announced today that Steve Berkman has been named President of Franchising. In his new role, Berkman will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company's franchising division including development, sales, administration, marketing, IT, operations support and training.
"We are thrilled to bring Steve on board to head up the franchise division of Paciugo and to reach our national expansion goals," said Ugo Ginatta, founder of Paciugo Gelato Caffè. "Steve comes with a tremendous amount of knowledge and expertise in the franchising industry and we look forward to offering our franchisees world-class support under his guidance."
Prior to joining Paciugo Gelato Caffè, Berkman spent more than nine years with Palm Beach Tan, an industry leader in indoor tanning, where he most recently served as Vice President of Franchising. Earlier in his career, Berkman worked for Blockbuster Video as Director of Franchise Operations. His illustrious career also includes posts at CiCi's Pizza as Director of Franchise Development and Pearle Vision as Vice President of Franchise Operations.
"It is an honor to be part of the Paciugo team and to have a hand in bringing the concept to new markets across the nation," said Berkman. "The broad consumer appeal of Paciugo products makes the brand a prime candidate for national expansion."
Berkman was designated as a Certified Franchise Executive by the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives in 2006 and currently resides in Lewisville, Texas with his wife Constance.
About Paciugo Gelato Caffè
Paciugo Gelato Caffè was founded in 2000 by Ugo, Cristiana and Vincenzo Ginatta, based on Cristiana's family traditions and apprenticeship at a gelateria in Italy, and began franchising in 2004 with a desire to bring the Italian passion for authentic Gelato to customers outside of Europe. Paciugo Gelato Caffè offers daily 32 to 40 flavors of traditional Gelato, handcrafted at each neighborhood locations, with more than 250 unique and traditional recipes. The menu also includes all natural, Fair Trade, 100% Arabica coffee and espresso-based drinks as well as Gelato-based specialty desserts. Paciugo Gelato Caffè has over 40 locations across the United States and Mexico.
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