Pinocchio’s Original Italian Ice Cream has been a staple of Sanibel’s culinary scene for 45 years, passing through four owners and three locations since its opening in 1980. On June 13, the community gathered to celebrate this milestone with a ribbon-cutting hosted by the SanCap Chamber, alongside the current owners, Tom and Donna Puma, and their daughter, Stephanie. The event took place at the Periwinkle Place Shops on Sanibel, marking 18 years since the Pumas acquired the business.
“We consider ourselves incredibly lucky and blessed to be a part of this close-knit Sanibel community,” said Donna Puma. “For so many years, we’ve been able to keep the traditional recipes that make Pinocchio’s special while introducing our own creations, expanding our menu to over 200 flavors. We’re particularly proud to have reintroduced authentic Italian gelato to the brand.”
In response to the challenges posed by COVID-19, the Pumas moved Pinocchio’s original storefront to an off-island location near the HealthPark Medical Center, ensuring business continuity in the event of power outages. However, they missed the connection to the island community and opened a new shop at Periwinkle Place in 2021.
Unfortunately, in the wake of Hurricane Ian, the shop suffered severe damage when it was inundated with six feet of storm surge. Like many island business owners, the Pumas were devastated by the loss. Yet, they quickly connected with Chamber President and CEO John Lai, and Periwinkle Place landlord Ben Dahlmann, and went into recovery mode.
“The support from both of them was unforgettable,” Donna Puma reflected. “Despite the chaos, we felt comforted knowing we weren’t alone. The Dahlmann family and maintenance staff ensured the demolition and cleanup were smooth, so we could focus on rebuilding. John, Aaron, Jade, and Alex from the Chamber were always there to offer support and guidance, keeping us updated on recovery programs for businesses.”
Donna also credits local organizations like the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and the Charitable Foundation of the Islands for their financial support, which made it possible to reopen the shop in February 2024. Just as they were settling back into operations, Hurricane Milton hit in September, causing another setback. Despite this, Pinocchio’s was able to reopen just two weeks later.
“The love and support we received from the community was incredible,” Donna said. “Our Fort Myers shop became a gathering spot for islanders, especially those in temporary off-island housing. It was heartwarming to see so many familiar faces, and we’re grateful for every customer who made it a point to visit us during these challenging times.”
Chamber President John Lai shared his excitement, saying, “I was one of the many happy customers when Pinocchio’s reopened post-Ian. We were all eager for a ‘fix’ of Sanibel Krunch, Dirty Sand Dollar, and other beloved sundaes that have melted our hearts for decades. Congratulations to the Pumas for carrying on such a sweet tradition.”
You can find Pinocchio’s Original Italian Ice Cream at 2075 Periwinkle Way, Suite 33, Sanibel.
