Create a free account to access this table
Sign up for free
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
2,500+ franchises
Access our entire database: 2,500+ US franchises, updated every day
Essential financial data
Royalty fees, franchise fees, investment costs and more
View 1 FDD
Our free plan allows you to access 1 FDD. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to download

Paciugo Gelato Caffe

Home
Food & Beverage
Ice Cream

Paciugo Gelato Caffe

Paciugo Gelato Caffe Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Gelato and coffee shop franchise offering a variety of artisanal gelato flavors, espresso beverages, and other Italian-inspired treats, providing a delightful and indulgent experience.

Paciugo Gelato Caffe, celebrated for its authentic Italian gelato, was established by the Ginatta family, who relocated from Italy to Dallas, Texas, in 1997. In September 2000, they launched their first Paciugo gelateria, driven by Cristiana Ginatta's deep-rooted passion for gelato, developed through her childhood experiences and professional culinary training in Italy.

The name "Paciugo" means "messy concoction" in Italian, symbolizing the wide variety and creativity of their gelato flavors. Their dedication to genuine Italian traditions and the use of premium ingredients quickly connected with customers.

Although prepared to begin franchising in July 2001, the Ginatta family chose to wait until 2004 to ensure they had perfected their gelato-making process, training materials, and other operational elements.

This careful strategy was successful, as the first franchisees were often loyal customers or former employees who were enthusiastic about sharing Paciugo's gelato. Today, Paciugo continues to draw in new franchisees, expanding its reach and delighting more communities with its exquisite gelato.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Paciugo Gelato Caffe offers 2 types of franchises:

Franchise Option Initial Investment
Paciugo Gelato Store $232,700 to $612,250
Paciugo Kiosk $109,700 to $304,250

We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Paciugo Gelato Caffè Store franchise.

For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).

Paciugo Gelato Caffè Store

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $15,000 to $20,000
Initial Application and Document Preparation Fee $250 to $750
Site Selection Assistance $0 to $1,000
First Month’s Rent and Security Deposit $2,000 to $10,000
Leasehold Improvements $73,000 to $306,000
Store Design Consulting Services $0 to $1,500
Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment, and Signage $115,000 to $198,000
Initial Training Costs $500 to $4,000
Pre-Opening Consultation $0 to $1,000
Opening Assistance Costs $0 to $5,000
Computer Hardware and Software $4,000 to $8,000
Initial Inventory/Supplies $8,000 to $10,000
Professional Services $1,200 to $4,000
Opening Advertising Expenses $3,500 to $10,000
Insurance $250 to $3,000
Additional Funds (three months) $10,000 to $30,000
Total $232,700 to $612,250

Paciugo Gelato Caffe offers 2 types of franchises:

Franchise Option Initial Investment
Paciugo Gelato Store $232,700 to $612,250
Paciugo Kiosk $109,700 to $304,250

We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Paciugo Gelato Caffè Store franchise.

For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).

Paciugo Gelato Caffè Store

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $15,000 to $20,000
Initial Application and Document Preparation Fee $250 to $750
Site Selection Assistance $0 to $1,000
First Month’s Rent and Security Deposit $2,000 to $10,000
Leasehold Improvements $73,000 to $306,000
Store Design Consulting Services $0 to $1,500
Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment, and Signage $115,000 to $198,000
Initial Training Costs $500 to $4,000
Pre-Opening Consultation $0 to $1,000
Opening Assistance Costs $0 to $5,000
Computer Hardware and Software $4,000 to $8,000
Initial Inventory/Supplies $8,000 to $10,000
Professional Services $1,200 to $4,000
Opening Advertising Expenses $3,500 to $10,000
Insurance $250 to $3,000
Additional Funds (three months) $10,000 to $30,000
Total $232,700 to $612,250

Paciugo Gelato Caffe

2023

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training 

The franchisor offers its franchisees an extensive training program designed to ensure successful operation.

Program Overview

Paciugo Franchise International (PFI) mandates that the franchisee's Operating Principal or District Manager attends and completes PFI's initial training program. This comprehensive training, provided at no cost, occurs at a time and location specified by PFI, with virtual training options available.

Training Content

The initial training encompasses a broad range of crucial topics for running a Paciugo Store, focusing on:

  • Batch Freezing: Specifically for Caffès, includes 20 hours of hands-on gelato making training.
  • Customer Service and In-Store Experience: Combines 2 hours of classroom instruction with 8 hours of practical application.
  • Customer Care and Health Inspections: Includes 2 hours of classroom learning and 2 hours of on-the-job training.

Additional and Remedial Training

PFI requires the Operating Principal, District Manager, and other designated employees to participate in additional training courses, seminars, and programs as necessary. These sessions, which may be conducted online, at regional meetings, or in traditional classroom settings, might include tuition fees.

Territory Protection

Paciugo Franchise International (PFI) does not offer exclusive territorial rights with its Franchise Agreement. Franchisees are authorized to operate at a specified approved location outlined in the Franchise Agreement, but no territorial exclusivity is provided.

Franchisees may be required to join delivery and takeout programs, with delivery areas designated on a non-exclusive basis.

Under the Development Agreement, franchisees are permitted to develop and operate a certain number of Paciugo Stores without receiving exclusive territory. Should franchisees fail to fulfill their obligations, including adhering to the development timeline, PFI may reduce the number of Stores they are authorized to develop.

Competitors

Below are some of

Paciugo Gelato Caffe

key competitors in the

Ice Cream

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
Sign up
Gross Profit
Sign up
EBITDA
Sign up

25

New
+
-4%
-4%

$20,000

$110,000

$612,000

n.a.

$0

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

Fosters Freeze

Fosters Freeze is a quick-service restaurant franchise offering burgers, sandwiches, and soft-serve desserts, serving families and everyday diners, and known for California heritage, nostalgic drive-in vibes, and a menu of classic comfort food and signature soft-serve treats enjoyed across generations.

Franchisees

?

61
+
-5%
-5%
Investment

?

$178,000 - $1,009,000

The Dolly Llama

The Dolly Llama is a dessert franchise offering Belgian waffles, waffle cones, and artisan ice cream, serving families, students, and social media–savvy dessert lovers, and known for over-the-top creations, Instagram-ready presentation, and a fun, modern café environment.

Franchisees

?

3
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$162,000 - $473,000

I Scream Gelato

I Scream Gelato is a gelato-and-dessert franchise offering artisan gelato, sorbets and Italian-style sweets, serving families and dessert fans, and known for handcrafted product, high-quality ingredients and upscale café ambience.

Franchisees

?

1
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$224,000 - $452,000

Tipsy Scoop

Tipsy Scoop is a dessert-bar franchise offering alcohol-infused ice creams and boozy creations in a social lounge setting, serving young adults and nightlife patrons, and known for inventive flavors, trendy atmosphere, and strong franchise growth opportunities.

Franchisees

?

2
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$224,000 - $348,000

Yogurtland

Yogurtland is a self-serve frozen-yogurt franchise offering premium flavors, toppings, customization and café environment, serving dessert lovers and families, and known for global reach, brand strength and franchisee-friendly model.

Franchisees

?

194
+
-3%
-3%
Investment

?

$232,000 - $637,000

MILLIE’S HOMEMADE

MILLIE’S HOMEMADE is a bakery-café franchise offering cookies, brownies, desserts and café beverages, serving family-friendly shoppers and gift buyers, and known for made-from-scratch recipes, warm ambiance and scalable franchise design.

Franchisees

?

4
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$65,000 - $485,000

Our latest newsletters

Franchising 101

Is This Franchise the Right Fit for You?

December 15, 2025
Due Diligence & Decision-Making

Choosing a franchise goes beyond reviewing fees and financials — it requires an honest assessment of your goals, skills, and risk tolerance. This article outlines the key questions prospective owners should ask before committing. It helps clarify whether the opportunity aligns with your lifestyle, long-term plans, and operational preferences.

Franchisee Validation: Interviews, Reference Checking, Site Visits

December 15, 2025
Due Diligence & Decision-Making

Speaking with current and former franchisees is one of the most reliable ways to understand how a franchise really operates. This guide explains how to conduct validation calls, what questions to ask, and how to identify patterns in feedback. It provides a practical framework for uncovering real performance expectations and support quality.

How to Evaluate a Franchise Opportunity (Industry, Brand Strength, Market Fit)

December 15, 2025
Due Diligence & Decision-Making

Not all franchise opportunities offer the same potential. This article breaks down how to evaluate a brand’s industry, financial health, support systems, and competitive positioning. It helps prospective buyers compare options and identify franchises with strong long-term viability.

Building a Franchise Business Plan & Pro Forma Financials

December 15, 2025
Costs, Fees and Financing

A clear, well-structured business plan is essential for securing financing and preparing for the realities of franchise ownership. This article explains how to build a plan that covers market analysis, operations, staffing, and local marketing. It also outlines how to create realistic pro forma financials, including revenue projections, startup costs, and break-even analysis. Readers gain a practical framework they can use when applying for loans or planning their first years of operations.