\u201cWe\u2019re honored to bring Pappalecco to Plano,\u201d Jolly and Chi said in an official statement. \u201cOur hope is that it becomes a place where people feel genuinely cared for and can experience the best of Italian caf\u00e9 culture.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Caf\u00e9 Built On Connection<\/p>\n
Pappalecco Plano emphasizes simplicity, quality and an unhurried pace. The minimalist design, created by an Italian design team using several Italian-made finishes, creates a setting intended for conversation and community. Visitors can expect all the classics that made the original location a staple, including the Marocchino with espresso and Nutella, the Caff\u00e8 Freddo blended with gelato and the signature affogato.<\/p>\n
For Jolly and Chi, authenticity is more than a menu choice; it\u2019s a mindset shaped by their first experience with the brand.<\/p>\n
![\"20251121_122847\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/20251121_122847.jpg;w=960.jpeg\"\/)
\nPhoto: Pappalecco
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Chi recalls stepping into Pappalecco\u2019s Little Italy caf\u00e9 long before the decision to bring it to Texas. It wasn\u2019t the cappuccino or gelato that stayed with him, though both impressed him immediately. What made an impact was the atmosphere.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven in that short visit, I found myself chatting with the staff and customers who were so warm and welcoming,\u201d Chi told Local Profile. \u201cThey made me feel like I belonged there, like a part of their family. That sense of connection and community is what made me fall in love with Pappalecco and ultimately inspired me to bring the brand to Texas.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Jolly and Chi, hospitality isn\u2019t complicated; it\u2019s intentional.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Pappalecco hospitality to us is to make every guest feel welcomed, valued and cared for,\u201d Chi said. That philosophy shows up in small gestures: greeting guests by name, getting to know their stories and ensuring every visit feels personal.<\/p>\n
Honoring Italian Roots In A New Home<\/p>\n
Pappalecco\u2019s heritage shapes every detail of the Plano caf\u00e9. Italy\u2019s standards for espresso and hospitality set the tone, and Chi says the team is committed to bringing that same level of care to North Texas.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe strive to create a warm and welcoming place that puts people at the center,\u201d Chi said. \u201cIt\u2019s about the community, authenticity, honoring the Italian tradition and creating a space where everyone is welcomed and feels like home.\u201d<\/p>\n
Opening the caf\u00e9 hasn\u2019t just been a business decision; it\u2019s been a family project.<\/p>\n
![\"vista-1v2\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/vista-1v2.jpg;w=960.jpeg\"\/)
\nPhoto: Pappalecco
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The couple\u2019s children have also been part of the process from the beginning, tasting menu items, suggesting flavors and imagining ways they could help in the shop. Chi says these shared moments have made the experience even more meaningful.<\/p>\n
Working together, he adds, is \u201csomething we\u2019re incredibly grateful for,\u201d and the memories, from road trips to San Diego to daily gelato tastings, are ones the family will carry long after opening day.<\/p>\n
What To Try First<\/p>\n
Though the menu is full of staples, the owners have a few favorites. Jolly leans toward the Rising Sun toast paired with a cappuccino. Chi admits he has a sweet tooth, making gelato and the affogato his go-to choices.<\/p>\n
And for Plano, they are introducing freshly-made gelato in 12 rotating flavors, crafted in full view of guests. Chi says the transparency is intentional: gelato tastes best when freshly made, and the team holds itself to a high standard of quality.<\/p>\n
A Warm Welcome For Plano<\/p>\n
Launching a beloved San Diego caf\u00e9 in Texas brought its share of challenges, but also unexpected encouragement. Chi says one of the most surprising parts of the journey has been discovering how many DFW residents already know Pappalecco, and how many San Diego regulars have Plano ties. Their enthusiasm, he said, \u201chas made this journey even more rewarding.\u201d<\/p>\n
As opening day approaches, Chi hopes the first impression is immediate. He wants guests to feel welcomed the moment they walk in, to notice the design, the aroma of freshly pulled espresso, the energy of the caf\u00e9 and, above all, the warmth of the people behind it.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Pappalecco Plano will be located at 1009 14th St. Unit 600, Plano, and will be open Sunday \u2013 Thursday from 7am \u2013 9:30pm and Friday \u2013 Saturday from 7am \u2013 10pm.
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Hungry for more? Check out our dining guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n