Love, friendship, and togetherness stand as core values that guide Pappalecco to its popularity and success. Also helpful is the ability to make and serve the best gelato around in true authentic Italian style.
Not just merely words found within its mission statement, one can actually experience these values in person that pervade each one of its three locations around San Diego and actually witness the love, wholesomeness and smiles served within each serving.
Pappalecco was cofounded by Francesco Bucci who was born in Pisa and raised in Tirrenia, a small town located between Pisa and Livorno, with two younger brothers Giovanni and Lorenzo.
As a young man, Francesco studied music and economics in high school before attending the University of Pisa to become a doctor. After ten years of studying medicine, Francesco had a change of heart and switched his major to psychology. While attending school, Francesco also owned and operated two businesses: an ice cream parlor and a cocktail bar in Pisa.
A childhood friend of Francesco named Andrea, who had immigrated to Atlanta, Georgia several years before as an adult, visited Francesco at his ice cream parlor during vacation. After tasting the ice cream exclaimed, “We need to bring this to America!”
Andrea invited Francesco to come to the United States to visit. During their time together, they discussed and drafted a business plan. They agreed to go into business together selling Italian gelato to America.
Upon his return to Italy, Francesco decided he was going to America determined to pursue his dreams and subsequently sold his businesses and left school.
Just as he was committed ready to leave for Atlanta, Francesco received an email from Andrea stating that due to family reasons was unable to move forward and withdrew interest from the project. Without acrimony, Andrea blessed Francesco on his way and vice versa while remaining in contact.
Shortly after, the three Bucci brothers collectively purchased a restaurant in Pisa. The plan was Giovanni would run the business while Francesco would still go abroad with Lorenzo later to follow once a location was established in the US.
Interestingly, another close friend to Francesco also named Francesco possessing extensive experience traveling and working throughout the US from Italy for several years, convinced Francesco to open operations in California instead of Georgia.
Francesco heeded the advice and after scouting various locations in California, chose San Diego. The two became partners together along with his brothers launching Pappalecco in 2007 as Lorenzo soon joined Francesco and created the menu. Amazingly, Andrea who recently transferred to San Diego also joined as partner.
The store in Hillcrest opened in 2009 and Point Loma later in 2012, providing quality homemade Italian food like panini, salads, gelato, serving beer and wine at all locations.
Pappalecco transcends boundaries creating community and friendship between America and Italy.
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