Industry Leaders Join Forces to Bring Traditional Italian Gelato to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
Atlanta-based MBC Concessions is satisfying travelers' cravings for authentic Italian gelato with the opening of the first Paciugo Gelato & Caffe location in Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. Operating in Terminal C at Gate 9, the opening marks the first Paciugo Gelato & Caffe location to open in an airport destination. "This is a significant milestone for the Paciugo Gelato & Caffe brand as we continue to execute our strategic growth plan both nationally and internationally," said Keith Albright, Chief Operating Officer for Paciugo Gelato & Caffe. "MBC's experience operating restaurant locations in airports has been a tremendous benefit to Paciugo as we introduce even more consumers to the bold taste of authentic Italian gelato." The new Paciugo Gelato & Caffe airport location handcrafts up to 24 flavors of Italian gelato daily, and also offers fresh-squeezed orange juice, pastries and parfaits with fresh cut fruit, strawberries and granola. Travelers will also have the opportunity to taste the smooth, rich flavor of Paciugo Gelato & Caffe's espresso and brewed coffee, hot & cold specialty drinks and other items such as muffins, Cliff bars and chips. "We truly believe that Paciugo Gelato & Caffe is a much needed addition to airport destinations nationwide," said Lucian Dillingham, president and CEO of MBC. "The fresh, all-natural gelato is rich and creamy with a taste that will leave many travellers wanting more. It is an Italian favorite that is certain to refresh the airport scene." Dillingham, who is an award-winning brand operator and expert in concept presentation, recognizes Paciugo's potential and trend-setting appeal through its fresh ingredients and meticulous merchandising. Since becoming a member of the elite league of airport concessionaires at the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, MBC has operated seven different concepts, including Freshens Yogurt and TCBY Yogurt, and currently operates Nature's Table Bistro in international Concourse E as well as Marche Bistro. Paciugo Gelato & Caffe handcrafts a constantly changing selection of gelato flavors each morning in small batches using only the finest and freshest ingredients, such as hand-squeezed fruit juices and seasonal fruit from local farmers, ultra-premium chocolate from Belgium, and hazelnuts, pistachios and candied Amarene cherries from Italy. In addition to its award-winning gelato, the menu features all-natural, Fair Trade, 100% Arabica coffees, premium hot chocolate and a variety of hot and cold specialty drinks that combine gelato with coffee and other beverages. For more information contact: Dan Parsons, Vice President of Operations & Development, MBC Concessions at
[email protected] or (407) 234-8544. Keith Albright, Chief Operating Officer, Paciugo Gelato & Caffe at
[email protected] or (214) 654-9501 ext. 113. About Paciugo Gelato & Caffe Paciugo Gelato & Caffe was founded in 2000 when Ugo, Cristiana and Vincenzo Ginatta, inspired by their passion to bring authentic Italian gelato to customers outside of Europe, moved to Dallas, Texas and opened their first gelateria. Since then, the company has grown to 41 franchised locations across the United States and Mexico. Each Paciugo Gelato & Caffe offers over 30 flavors of gelato that are handcrafted with love every morning at each neighborhood location. Cristiana has developed more than 300 recipes, including flavors ranging from Mediterranean Sea Salt Caramel, Blackberry Cabernet, Tiramisu, and Fondente Extra Dark Chocolate to more unusual flavors like Banana Beet and Black Pepper Olive Oil. The menu also includes all-natural, Fair Trade, 100% Arabica coffee and espresso-based drinks, as well as gelato-based specialty desserts.
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