Pictured: The display case at Paisanos Italian Bakery features a plethora of options to satisfy your sweet tooth. Photo courtesy of Paisanos Italian Bakery.

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.” Originally from Rhode Island, the couple brought Italian staples, like pizza strips, from New England to Sarasota. Pizza strips are thick rectangles of dough topped with tomato sauce and are popular amongst both New Englanders and Paisano’s patrons. “I remember when my husband threw me a surprise party for my 21st birthday, and on top of the table was a plate of pizza strips,” she adds. “They’re the kind of food that goes with every occasion.”

Aside from savory options, the bakery carries a wide variety of sweets, from delectable cakes and cookies to flaky pastries. Many flavors of biscotti line the display cases, paying homage to David’s previous work in other bakeries. Laurie’s favorite is the chocolate chunk pistachio biscotti, and she credits her team for producing high-quality baked goods. “I have a diverse team of talented decorators,” she says, “including Ritz-Carlton-trained decorators and a baker who used to own a famous restaurant in town.” A quick glance into the shop’s display showcases colorful cookies with vivid details, scrumptious cakes and more.

Laurie hopes that Paisano’s guests will leave having experienced the love that she and her team put into their food, a legacy of Italian culture. “It comes from our hearts,” she adds, “and we are so excited and proud to have served our community for 25 years.”

Paisano's Italian Bakery, 2732 Stickney Point Rd. Sarasota, paisanositalianbakery.com.

Pictured: The display case at Paisanos Italian Bakery features a plethora of options to satisfy your sweet tooth. Photo courtesy of Paisanos Italian Bakery.