A business inspired by the markets of Sicily, Italy, has opened its doors to the Highlands County community inside The Hotel Jacaranda in Avon Park.
Mamma Mia Italian Market, a business with a concept full of freshness and authentic Italian flavor, opened last November at 27 E. Main St., Avon Park. Since then, the freshness of its products has attracted customers from every corner of the county. The owners of this business are husband and wife, Dennis and Sara Pipal.
Dennis has lived in the community for 10 years, and Sara for almost 40 years. “My family was born in Italy and moved to the United States in 1965, and I was born a year later, so I’m first generation,” Sara said regarding her family.
Sara brought about 15 Italian products, including vegetables and fruit, last June to the Avon Park Farmers Market at the Hotel Jacaranda. From that moment, she realized how necessary her business would be to the community.
“In August, I started planning everything, and I knew it had to be in this hotel,” she told her husband. “David Bruns, general manager of The Hotel Jacaranda, and Elaine Simmons, front desk manager of the Jacaranda Hotel, were incredibly helpful in opening my business,” Sara said.
This business, inspired by Italian markets, combines aromas and Italian traditions to make visitors feel as if they are in Sicily, offering an authentic experience.
“It has been a challenge in which I learn every day about the products and recipes, and I connect with the community. Even when people just come to look around the store, it’s a unique experience,” Dennis said.
“I love commerce, I love people, communicating with them, and doing this is something I’ve always wanted. Before, I had to drive two and a half hours to get what I needed because Highlands County didn’t have a true Italian market that imported products from Italy,” Sara said.
The phrase “Mamma Mia” in Italy is used to express surprise or intense emotion and is very common among Italians, which is one of the reasons it became the name of the business. For Sara, the name for her business came very naturally during a casual conversation with friends.
According to the business owners, 90% of the products are of Italian origin, and 10% are from local vendors. Among the best-selling items are pasta and sauces; however, they also offer spices, bread, olives, gluten-free pasta, organic pasta, gift baskets, T-shirts with iconic messages, honey, and many other products the customers would find in an authentic Italian market.
This business is not just a place to buy ingredients; it’s a space where Italian culture comes to life, and personalized attention is part of every visit.
“Eventually, we would like to have a coffee shop here. We are still in the process of obtaining our liquor license so we can also offer beer and wine imported from Italy,” Sara said.
They plan to add tables outside the store to transport customers to Italy.
Mamma Mia Italian Market plans to offer Italian meals for customers who don’t have time to cook. According to the owners, their plans include offering pasta-making classes from scratch.
This business brings diversity and offers something different to the Highlands County community. Mamma Mia Italian Market is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Mamma Mia Italian Market is much more than just Italian products; it’s a space of tradition that seeks to provide flavor and connection with the community. In addition to visiting their store, customers can contact them by calling 863-235-1414.
Dining and Cooking