Just a few weeks ago, Happy Puccia – the authentic Italian sandwich shop in the heart of Warwick – proudly celebrated its seventh anniversary.

To mark the occasion, we sat down with the founders, Gigi and Giusy, to look back on their incredible journey, the challenges they've faced, and the passion that's fueled seven years of flavour, culture, and community.

Tell us about your project – how it started and how it has developed over the years.

We moved to the UK ten years ago, looking to give our lives a new direction. We put our professional careers aside, engineering and accounting, to try something completely different. In December 2017, when we finally found a location we liked, we threw ourselves into this new adventure.

From the very beginning, we had a clear vision: we didn't want to be just another coffee shop. We wanted to offer something different to our customers. We knew it wouldn't be easy, and that it would take time, patience and dedication, but we were determined to make our voices heard and to share a piece of our homeland (Puglia) right here, in the heart of England.

Our food offering revolves around two traditional Puglia specialities: puccia and pasticciotto. Puccia is a soft bread with a crispy crust. We have over twenty different filling options on our menu, all made to order to guarantee maximum freshness and quality. Pasticciotto leccese, on the other hand, is a small pastry filled with classic Italian custard—available in several flavours including amarena cherry, chocolate, and pistachio.

Happy Puccia was founded by Gigi and Giusy who moved to the UK ten years ago (image via Happy Puccia)

What have been the main challenges over the years?

Introducing something new is never easy, especially when it's unfamiliar. From the very beginning, we knew our biggest challenge would be winning people's trust. Most customers walking past were looking for something they already knew: eggs, bacon, sausages, a classic English breakfast or a chocolate brownie. But our menu was different. No shortcuts, no compromises, just authentic Italian flavours, built on fresh ingredients and carefully thought-out combinations.

We weren't offering what they expected—we were offering what we loved. And that meant asking people to be curious, to be open, to try something they'd never heard of before. It took time. But little by little, bite after bite, we created not just customers, but connections.

Now we see people walk in with a smile, excited to try "something from Puglia." That, to us, is the greatest reward. It means that the leap of faith was worth it—for them and for us.

Happy Puccia on Smith Street (image supplied)

How did you face the pandemic months?

It might sound surprising, but the pandemic—despite all the fear and uncertainty—ended up being a turning point for us. At the time, we were still finding our feet. We had only been open for a year, and everything was still new and fragile.

But instead of letting that storm drown us, we learned how to ride the waves. We adapted quickly, leaned into our creativity, and kept showing up—day after day—with the same passion that started it all.

Those months were challenging, no doubt. But they taught us resilience and brought us closer to our community. Looking back, it wasn't just a survival story—it was the moment we truly found our strength.

What are your plans for the future?

We don't know what the future holds, and we're aware that every chapter has its natural ending. But for now, our hearts—and our hands—are fully in this project.

Our goal is simple: to keep growing, to keep surprising, and to keep sharing a little slice of Puglia with the people of Warwick. At the same time, we love showing our Italian followers the charm, beauty, and hidden gems of this town we now call home.

As long as there's curiosity, connection, and a hunger for something genuine, we'll be here, doing what we love most: serving food that tells a story.

Why not stop by and visit Happy Puccia on Smith Street in Warwick?

Why not stop by and give Happy Puccia a visit? (image via Happy Puccia)

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