On a summer’s day in Sicily, Francine Voit (B.F.A., interior design, 2023) and Nicola Buffo (B.F.A., social strategy and management, 2023) found themselves aboard a mountain train crawling at what felt like 20 miles per hour toward the slopes of Mount Etna. Their destination: the ancient town of Bronte, renowned worldwide for its exceptional pistachios. The journey was a leap of faith — they had no appointments, no confirmations, just an address and determination.
After a three-hour odyssey involving a bus, a train, and a steep hike up volcanic terrain, they stood at the door of a centuries-old pistachio farm, catching their breath and gathering courage. The co-founders of Pistakio, a pistachio spread created while they were studying at SCAD, were seeking knowledge about the beloved nut they hoped would launch their brand.
But first: a ceremonial test.
Allison Stice 