This August, Paisano’s Italian Bakery will celebrate its 25th anniversary of serving up Italian comfort food to the Sarasota community. Husband and wife David and Laurie Moretti opened Paisano’s in 1998. David, the son of Italian immigrants, began his career working as a cleaner in a bakery. He gained skills at a variety of different bakeries, with the goal of opening up his own business, a desire echoed by Laurie, who wanted to be self-employed.

Founding Paisano’s not only allowed the pair to pursue their passions but also presented them with an opportunity to combine beloved recipes with culinary techniques learned through years of experience. “David learned to cook with his grandmother,” says Laurie, “and our eggplant calzone is an old recipe from his family, as are our stuffed shells.”