Honest to goodness — We cannot tell a lie! Pinocchio’s Original Italian Ice Cream is returning to the island!
Their new home will be in beautiful Periwinkle Place, where the Fresh Produce clothing store was previously located.
Pinocchio’s originally opened on the east end of Sanibel in 1980. Current owners, Donna and Thomas Puna, bought the store in 2007. In 2017, they sold it intending to open up a franchise. Shortly thereafter, they decided franchising was not for them and began to make plans to reopen their popular store again on Sanibel.
Known for their homemade gelato, the Puma’s spend time each year in Italy, France and Spain working with gelato artisans in the hopes of returning with flavor inspirations for the Pinocchio’s brand. Favorite frozen confections include their signature Sanibel Krunch, Dirty Sand Dollar and Gator Stew.
We can’t wait for their new location, which will also feature an outside deck, to open sometime this fall. To monitor their progress, follow them on Facebook here!
