05/17/2025
By now, you’ve probably heard the news — after 43 unforgettable years, I’m folding up my polo and closing the doors to Paul’s for the last time tonight.
It’s hard to put into words how much this place — and all of you — have meant to me. I’ve spent more than half my life behind that counter, cooking, laughing, listening — watching generations of families grow up. The outpouring of love and support over the past few days has touched me more than I can say.
I opened Paul’s on Downing when I was just 21 years-old. Back then, it was about the food — simple, good food. But somewhere along the way, it became so much more. I heard stories of post-game fries and Green Rivers, daily stops for soon-to-be moms and their ice cream cravings, meatballs sent off to college kids, Christmas Eve dinners, trays of chicken limone at graduation parties and first dates that turned into lifelong love.
I’ve come to realize that this place became part of your traditions — and that’s the greatest honor I could have ever asked for.
To my regulars, to everyone who’s ever worked a shift, and even to those who popped in once — thank you. Truly. You helped bring my little spot to life.
I wish I had one more eggplant Friday, one more summer, one more chance to greet you at the counter. But the time has come for a new chapter — a little quieter, a little slower. You still might catch me around GP Italiano now and then, but for the most part, I’m looking forward to spending a lot more time with my wife and our eight (soon to be nine!) grandkids.
The doors may be closing, but the memories will stay with me forever.
With all my love and deepest gratitude,
Paul
