In an email to KARE 11, the spokesperson shared this message from Cossetta's loved ones: … It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Dave Cossetta, our owner, our leader, and the heart of Cossetta .
It’s always tough to say goodbye, especially when it’s to someone who has made such a delightful impact on our taste buds and our community. Dave Cossetta, the beloved owner of Cossetta Alimentari in St. Paul, has left us unexpectedly while in Rome, surrounded by family and colleagues. If that isn’t the most fitting place for a man whose life revolved around food, I don’t know what is.
For those who might not know, Cossetta Alimentari isn’t just a restaurant; it’s practically a St. Paul institution. Founded in 1911, it has been serving up Italian delicacies for over a century. That’s right—more than a hundred years of pasta, pizza, and pastries that could make you weep with joy. And yes, I’m talking about the kind of joy that only comes from eating an entire cannoli by yourself while pretending you’re on a first date.
Dave was the fourth generation to lead this culinary treasure, taking over from a lineage that clearly knew their way around a kitchen. Under his watchful eye, the restaurant not only continued to thrive but also won two international awards at the Coppa del Mondo del Panettone. That’s right, folks. While some of us are just trying to master the art of making toast without burning it, Dave was out there winning awards for his panettone. Talk about setting the bar high!
The details around his passing are still a bit murky, but the impact of his loss is crystal clear. People are mourning not just the man, but the legacy he created—a legacy filled with the aroma of fresh bread and the delightful chaos of family dinners. If you’ve ever found yourself in the bustling aisles of Cossetta, surrounded by the laughter of friends and the smell of marinara sauce, you’ve experienced a slice of what Dave built.
It’s hard to imagine St. Paul’s food scene without him. It’s like trying to picture a pizza without cheese—just plain wrong! But as we remember him, let’s also celebrate the joy he brought into our lives through food. So, next time you visit Cossetta, grab a slice of pizza or a pastry and take a moment to appreciate the legacy of a man who devoted his life to making our meals a little more special.
In the words of Dave himself, let’s carry on the tradition of good food and good company. Because if there’s one thing we know, it’s that great food has a way of bringing people together, even in the toughest of times. So here’s to Dave Cossetta—a man who made us all a little happier, one dish at a time.
Inspired by: “Owner of Cossetta in St. Paul dies in Rome” (r/News)