Paciugo

Paciugo is a specialty dessert café chain best known for its Italian gelato, sorbet, and espresso drinks, operating primarily in the United States. The company was established in 2000 by the Ginatta family, who immigrated from Turin, Italy, and opened the first location in Dallas, Texas. Their approach centers on traditional Italian recipes and techniques, which helped Paciugo build a loyal following and a reputation for authentic, high-quality desserts.

A significant milestone in the company’s history came in July 2021, when Paciugo’s parent company, Global Franchise Group, was acquired by FAT Brands. This acquisition brought greater resources and operational support, allowing Paciugo to accelerate its expansion efforts. Over the past five years, the brand has focused on growth through franchising and has adapted its café model to include a variety of formats, such as traditional cafés, kiosks, and in-line units. This flexibility has enabled Paciugo to enter a range of high-traffic environments, including retail centers, mixed-use developments, and airports.

As of November 2025, Paciugo operates 32 locations across the country, with a strong presence in Texas, Illinois, and Florida, and additional units in California and Georgia. The brand continues to seek new franchise partners and locations, prioritizing sites that offer high visibility and steady foot traffic. Paciugo’s recent expansion has included co-branded concepts, often pairing with other foodservice brands to maximize customer reach and real estate efficiency.

With centralized site selection and development managed at the parent company level, Paciugo benefits from the scale and credibility of FAT Brands and Global Franchise Group. The company’s established reputation, adaptable store formats, and steady growth posture make it a recognizable and reliable tenant in a variety of commercial settings.