The Closing of Palermo Villa

OnMilwaukee.com Article

Palermo Villa Facebook Page

My family has experienced a lot of losses over the years. Even this week, our wonderful Auntie Bessie passed on. We've buried family, have had surprise babies pop up, and have closed businesses. But I don't think anything will compare to the closing of Palermo Villa.

Palermo Villa has been a part of me as long as I can remember. My aunt, Kathleen Mirenda has been the owner for 34 years. Even though she had my cousin Frankie, Palermo's was her baby. My Uncle Dean was another face of the Villa that everyone was happy to see behind the bar. Over the years my sister Tina worked her way up to bar tending, and a new generation of regulars began. It was our "Cheers". Kathy, Dean and Tina always had a story for you when you walked in the door. Some people may say it's gossip, but we like to refer to it as The News. "Did you hear the news about...?", well now we are the news. My dad keeps telling me to stop saying WE, but even he is a part of that equation. The news of Palermo Villa does not just effect my aunt, it effects an entire world of people.

I pretty much had every birthday celebration, New Years, and of course Halloween at Palermo Villa. Everyone that's anyone knows about the pumpkins. My father is obsessed with Halloween, and over the years he and his friend Troy transformed the Villa into a magical place. It didn't matter what your plans were for Halloween, you better get your costumed butt down to Palermo's for a picture! This past Halloween I married my fabulous husband, and our Honeymoon began at Palermo Villa...of course.

I am lucky enough to be the person that created the Palermo Villa Facebook Fan Page. When the story was released this weekend, I shared it with the world. The instant it went public, many loyal customers poured their hearts out on the page. My own group of friends made it the hardest. When I would say, "Let's go to the restaurant", no one questioned where we were going. It has always been our home away from home. We grew up eating the best Italian food in town. Listening to them reminisce about ALL of the nights at PV brings tears to my eyes. I hope that someday my family can open a place where we can share meatballs and sfingis again. Until that time, we will mourn the restaurant like a death.

I want to thank my Aunt Kathy for all of the years she gave us. She was always happy to see you walk through her doors. You were greeted with a hug and a kiss just like it was a holiday. There was always a familiar face and your drink waiting for you at the bar. The staff was just as much family, I will miss them all. Thank you to everyone that has loyally supported Palermo Villa over these past 34 years. We will not forget you. Please become a fan of the Facebook Page (which you should be already) for any more "News".

Pizza Man

http://www.620wtmj.com/news/local/82062722.html

Sad news today. Pizza Man was destroyed in a huge fire early this morning. Milwaukee's East Side will never be the same. 

Our love and support go out to Mike right now. I think we all feel like a part of our family is gone.