Sorrento Sweets to bring Italian desserts and coffee to downtown St. Pete
/Sorrento Sweets will be located at 667 central Avenue, formerly home to Brew D Licious
A haven for St. Pete sugar-lovers is coming soon to 667 Central Avenue—and it’s all thanks to Sorrento Sweets.
The space was formerly home to Brew D Licious, a beloved coffee shop and 600 block staple for nine years before their closure in April amid COVID-19 struggles. The owners of Sorrento Sweets realize they have big shoes to fill, but couldn’t be more excited to join the downtown St. Pete community.
"As a Tampa Bay local, I've always loved St. Pete’s passion for coffee and support of small businesses," says Managing Parter Joseph Kelly. “Sorrento Sweets is ecstatic about bringing its authentic Italian desserts and coffee to St. Petersburg after looking for over a year for the perfect location."
Salvatore Paturzo, Owner of Sorrento Sweets, baking in Sorrento Italy over 20 years ago
With prominent Tampa, Sarasota, and Port Richey locations, Sorrento Sweets is quickly becoming a Florida favorite. But this story didn’t start in the Sunshine State—its origins lay all the way in Sorrento, Italy, in the hands of a 9-year-old protégé.
Salvatore Paturzo’s knack for the baking world started at an early age. He spent hours in the kitchen fortifying his family’s baking business—crafting new recipes along the way.
Eventually, he brought his love of sweet treats to the States. After honing his craft in New Jersey, he laid down roots in Florida with his family (and boy, are we happy he did so!). He and his wife, Rose Paturzo, opened the first Sorrento Sweets in Port Richey nearly 18 years ago.
SOrrento Sweets will offer a variety of Italian pastries as well as a full lineup of coffe drinks, including espresso-based beverages
Today, the Old World bakery and coffee shop continues to specialize in classic Italian desserts. In fact, some of the recipes still used today date back over 60 years to when Sal was a child in his father’s bakery in Italy.
Whether you’re craving mid-morning gelato or an evening cannoli, Sorrento’s got you covered. The cannolis are piped fresh to order with a choice of original, pistachio, or chocolate. Other Italian favorites include rainbow cookies, Florentines, raspberry thumbprints, pignoli, and leaf cookies.
The caprese - An Italian staple made with fresh mozzarella, freshly sliced roma tomato, balsamic glaze, basil pesto, and finished off with fresh basil.
Need something to fill you up during your lunch break? Chow down on the Gouda Roma, a vegetarian staple with egg, gouda cheese, and freshly sliced Roma tomato on panini bread or a freshly baked croissant. Or sample the Pesto Chicken and let the fresh mozzarella cheese, grilled chicken breast and basil pesto transport you to Italy’s sun-dappled courtyards—no passport required.
Wash it all down with a nitro cold brew or a Sorrentino, a blended beverage with Italian-style espresso, flavoring (caramel or mocha), ice, and your choice of milk—perfect for any hot afternoon. A full lineup of espresso drinks and tea will also be available.
As for pricing, cookies and cannolis range from $3 to $6, with sandwiches at $5 to $9, coffee at $2, and their tasty Sorrentino espresso at $4.25.
Salvatore Paturzo (right) with Managing partner Joseph Kelly (left)
We’re not quite sure what the interior of Sorrento Sweets will look like just yet. But judging by the other locations, we’ll be surprised if wood furniture and brick walls don’t make an appearance. We’ll also keep an eye out for a Sorrento’s signature mural!
Ready to experience la dolce vita (the sweet life) at Sorrento Sweets? The expected grand opening at 667 Central Avenue is slated for Monday January 4th, 2021. In the meantime, head to @SorrentoSweets on Instagram to stay updated on the St. Pete grand opening.
