Paciugo Gelato Will Celebrate 20th Anniversary
The St. Petersburg gelato shop will host a public anniversary party on October 3, 2026.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Desserts
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Paciugo Gelato and Caffe will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a public party in St. Petersburg on October 3, 2026. The event marks two decades of the shop operating at its 300 Beach Drive NE location.
Why it matters
The celebration serves as a thank-you to the local community for two decades of support. Owners Debbie and Mark Safko are hosting the event to honor the shop's history and its role in the St. Petersburg food scene.
The shop features 36 rotating flavors of gelato and nine dairy-free options produced using an Italian Carpigiani machine. Owners will provide 20 gifts for children during the anniversary event.
The players
Debbie and Mark Safko
They are the current owners of the St. Petersburg Paciugo Gelato and Caffe location.
Paciugo Gelato and Caffe
This is a Dallas-based gelato franchise with a storefront located at 300 Beach Drive NE.
The details
Paciugo Gelato and Caffe is the only Florida location of a Dallas-based franchise, utilizing Florida milk and Italian ingredients in its house-made gelato. The shop has been under the ownership of Debbie and Mark Safko since 2017.
Timeline
2006: The shop originally opened on Beach Drive.
2017: Debbie and Mark Safko purchased the business.
October 3, 2026: The anniversary party occurs from 4-11 p.m.
Culture Shift
The rise of artisanal, house-made gelato shops reflects a broader consumer move toward specialized, high-quality craft desserts. This shop positions itself as a local staple in the evolving landscape of boutique food franchises.
Residents can attend the event on October 3 to sample the shop's menu and participate in the anniversary festivities. The celebration highlights the shop's long-term presence on Beach Drive for regular customers.
The takeaway
Supporting long-standing local businesses helps preserve neighborhood character and unique culinary experiences. Visitors planning to attend should arrive during the evening hours to participate in the anniversary celebration.
Further reading
Learn more about the local food scene in our Desserts section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tampa Bay Times.
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