Pitango Gelato Outlines Plans for Franchise Growth Ahead of 20th Anniversary

May 06, 2026 // FranchisePR.com // BALTIMORE, MD – Pitango Gelato announced plans for continued franchise expansion.

“Our growth is strategic and intentional,” said Dinah Bengur, CEO of Pitango Gelato. “We are looking for franchise partners who share our passion for quality and hospitality as we expand into new markets.”

A key differentiator for Pitango is its vertically integrated production model. The company operates a centralized gelato production facility in Glen Arm, Maryland, along with a bakery and cold storage facility in Baltimore, ensuring consistency and quality across all locations while enabling franchisees to focus on operations and customer experience.

New franchise opening this summer

Pitango Gelato will open a new franchise location in Loudoun County, Virginia in July – marking the second franchise location.

The new location will be operated by franchisees Sree Gurrapu and Naga Jaka of JUG Concepts, LLC. Their shop will feature Pitango’s signature café format, offering freshly churned gelato and sorbet made on-site, along with espresso, coffee, and baked goods to drive year-round traffic.

Pitango launched its franchise program in 2020 and relaunched it in 2023, and a multi-unit franchisee opened its first franchise location in Old Town, Alexandria, VA in 2024. The brand currently operates eight locations, including six corporate-owned shops and a bakery and café in Baltimore.

A key differentiator for Pitango is its vertically integrated production model. The company operates a centralized gelato production facility in Glen Arm, Maryland, along with a bakery and cold storage facility in Baltimore, ensuring consistency and quality across all locations while enabling franchisees to focus on operations and customer experience.

Celebrating 20 years
Founded in 2006, Pitango Gelato is preparing to celebrate its 20th anniversary this year, a milestone that underscores two decades of steady growth and dedication to craftsmanship. The company has built a loyal following across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia by producing small-batch gelato and sorbet made with simple, natural ingredients, including grass-fed milk sourced from a family farm in Baltimore County, fresh fruit, and imported nuts and chocolates.

“Reaching our 20-year milestone while expanding our franchise footprint is an exciting moment for Pitango,” said Bengur. “Our focus has always been on quality, authenticity, and creating a memorable guest experience. Franchising allows us to bring that experience to new communities while maintaining the standards that define our brand.”

SOURCE Pitango Gelato