A second-generation Italian born and bred in St. Paul, John Palumbo has had a colorful life spanning several careers -- none involving food in any way, shape or form.
Now he finds himself at age 58, a time when many people start pondering their retirement options, entering an entirely new career operating Palumbo's Pizzeria on Snelling Avenue in St. Paul. Since opening in July, the family-run pizza place has attracted crowds drawn by reasonable prices -- no item tops $10 -- and an attractive bistro environment.
So far, reaction to the restaurant has been particularly good, which bodes well for Palumbo because the location has been anything but a gold mine for previous restaurateurs.
Palumbo and his wife, Peggy, took over from another restaurant, Geordie's, which suffered a kitchen roof collapse last Valentine's Day. Palumbo had his own problems in July when an air conditioner failed and the kitchen temperature rose to 105 degrees, but if the location is jinxed, he's not feeling it. "The reaction to the food has been overwhelming," he said.
Palumbo does not have the résumé of a typical restaurant owner. He was a journeyman plumber in the 1980s before working as a medical photographer in the 1990s. He switched careers again this decade, becoming a chauffeur for a limousine company in St. Paul. He drove many celebrities, including Janet Jackson and her entourage. When asked what outrageous things went on in his limo, Palumbo grew reticent, offering only this advice to fellow drivers: When the limo's rocking, don't roll the windows down in the back.
Three and out with John Palumbo
What inspired you to start a restaurant?
My wife and I had thought about this for 10 years. Five years ago we went to Italy with four teenagers and ate a lot of pizza. After we returned we decided to put our money where our mouth is and start a restaurant.
So where do you go when you eat out?
