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.

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.