Dave Cossetta, owner of longtime St. Paul restaurant dies unexpectedly in Rome

Dave Cossetta, owner of longtime St. Paul restaurant dies unexpectedly in Rome Joey Swanson KSTP Dave Cossetta, the owner of St. Paul’s longtime restaurant and a fourth-generation business leader, has died unexpectedly in Italy, according to his family. Cossetta’s family shared the news on Thursday saying that the business patriarch died in Rome surrounded by his wife, Gail, his team and friends and family. Just days before his death, Cossetta won two international awards at the Coppa del Mondo del Panettone. His family said that these awards were the latest in an impressive career. The family business began in 1911 as a small market in St. Paul and Cossetta’s family said he helped grow it into a gathering place on West 7th Street. The family said more information will be shared later. Family statement “It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Dave Cossetta, our owner, our leader, and the heart of Cossetta. Dave passed unexpectedly in Rome, surrounded by his wife, Gail, his talented team, and many friends and family. Just days earlier, he had won two international awards at the Coppa del Mondo del Panettone, the latest honors in an impressive career. Dave was the fourth generation of his family to carry on what began in 1911 as a small market in St. Paul. He built it into a gathering place on West 7th Street where everyone was welcome at the same table, and he never stopped dreaming about what it could become. His next chapter was to bring Cossetta to the nation beyond St. Paul through panettone, which he had spent more than 15 years perfecting. Above all, Dave loved his family, his city, and the people who walked through his doors. Service details will be shared as they become available. We will carry on as Dave would have wanted: together, around the table. – The Cossetta Family and Team ”