Paciugo Gelato (Dallas, Plano, Addison: restaurant, food, best)

[leavingcali]

Zatires and Big G~

You both make important points about whether or not franchising Paciugo, or anything similar, is a wise investment. What do you think would be a good franchise or business opportunity? I would only want to work with dessert type of food, if I worked with food at all, because that's what I love--chocolate, gelato, coffee, etc. I want to do something fun that either helps people or brings them pleasure. I think I would prefer a franchise because more of the work is done for you (opposed to starting a business purely from scratch), and many franchises are an established brand. Any thoughts?

[Lakewooder]

You might be interested in this:

Back Talk Lakewood/East Dallas: Lakewood Paciugo opening delayed unti Sunday

[momof2dfw]

What about something along the lines of Celebrity Bakery? While it is a "lunch spot" with AWESOME sandwiches and salads they have TO DIE FOR cookies, pies and cakes.

[Big G]

Originally Posted by Lakewooder

You might be interested in this:

Back Talk Lakewood/East Dallas: Lakewood Paciugo opening delayed unti Sunday

Really? Why? What possible interest would the OP have in a meaningless one-day delay in the opening of a Paciugo location in Lakewood, a place where he/she has never been and knows nothing about? The article contains nothing about why the person chose to open a Paciugo franchise, why it's a good or bad location, or anything else of use.

This is a new one - something of no interest even to Lakewooders.

[Big G]

Originally Posted by leavingcali

Zatires and Big G~

You both make important points about whether or not franchising Paciugo, or anything similar, is a wise investment. What do you think would be a good franchise or business opportunity? I would only want to work with dessert type of food, if I worked with food at all, because that's what I love--chocolate, gelato, coffee, etc. I want to do something fun that either helps people or brings them pleasure. I think I would prefer a franchise because more of the work is done for you (opposed to starting a business purely from scratch), and many franchises are an established brand. Any thoughts?

Have you worked in the restaurant industry before? If not, run far, far away from any restaurant concept. The most successful folks in the restaurant biz are people who get into it as a young age, often buying their first restaurant from their boss.

If you have, I actually think Paciugo might be an OK concept. The price seems awfully high, though, so bring in an accountant or three and make sure all the numbers make sense before you sign.

[zatires]

Leavingcali

I don't think a food franchise is worth at this time, especially spending around 250K or more for one is plain outright not a good idea (personally that is what I think).

The biggest problems for food;

1- The prices are going up, and will continue to go up, this is the thing about inflation, once it starts to go up, it does not really come back down (don't belive in what the government is telling you ).

There is the Sprinkles mania that has been going on around DFW for some time (since they opened). I went there the other day after like 6 months or so, and I was shocked to see their cupcakes got a bit smaller But prices did not come down, and there was not as much line as was before.

If you want to invest in food, invest in manufacturing food, buy a farm near the area (maybe 80-100 miles), try to be close to a railroad track, and start farming. The climate is pretty good around DFW, you can actually harvest many different food items. This would be a business that will give you value with land, will not force you to pay close to 12% of your sales to franchise as fees.

If that is too much work, well keep the cash. That would be a good idea

[Big G]

I don't think the OP has any interest in coming to Dallas. The post is here because the HQ and most of the early Paciugo locations are in DFW.

2 things jumped out at me from the Paciugo website.

1) There are quite a few more stores than I thought (good - means the concept is growing)
2) Looking at the store numbers (which I am guessing are in order of opening, since the Park/Preston location is store #1), there are a lot of missing numbers (bad - probably means stores that have already gone bust)

[mysterymachinebl]

Paciugo must be doing pretty well since they are expanding nationwide at this time. I've been to several and there is always a steady stream of people coming in.

Paciugo plans national gelato store expansion - Dallas Business Journal:

[Lakewooder]

Originally Posted by Big G

Really? Why? What possible interest would the OP have in a meaningless one-day delay in the opening of a Paciugo location in Lakewood, a place where he/she has never been and knows nothing about? The article contains nothing about why the person chose to open a Paciugo franchise, why it's a good or bad location, or anything else of use.

This is a new one - something of no interest even to Lakewooders.

Excuse me for living!

I thought the OP might want to contact April and read the comments section. Also there is a history of that store if you bother do a search on the site and read the archives of the Advocate. Ever hear of market research?

[leavingcali]

Hi Lakewooder,

When I read the title, I wasn't sure that it would be helpful either, but fortunately I kept on reading--there were comments from people who lived in the community about Paciugo, their gelato, and the setting. Also, contacting the owner of that location is a great idea.

Thanks very much,
Leavingcali

Originally Posted by Lakewooder

Excuse me for living!

I thought the OP might want to contact April and read the comments section. Also there is a history of that store if you bother do a search on the site and read the archives of the Advocate. Ever hear of market research?