IGH Will Be Feasting On Mediterranean Fare By June

People in Inver Grove Heights are going to have to wait a little longer to enjoy the gourmet Mediterranean fare promised by Papa Bello's Pizza & Pasta. 

Originally scheduled to open May 21, general manager and co-owner Ilir Taushani told Patch that his opening date for the new restaurant will be closer to the end of the month. 

"Things don't always go as planned, especially for a new start-up," Taushani said of the restaurant whose slogan is "Mediterranean food from Mediterraneans." 

The Papa Bello’s website promises take-n-bake pizzas that "will deliver a taste like no other right from your oven." It also boasts freshly cooked, made-to-order pasta dishes and salads "filled with a fusion of fruits, nuts, balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil and a host of other fresh ingredients."

Despite becoming Inver Grove Heights' tenth pizza joint—and only a stone's throw from —Taushani and his partner Landi, chose the location of Papa Bello's very carefully.

"Why shouldn't we choose Inver Grove Heights?" Taushani asked rhetorically. "It is a great city with a lot of potential. But it was also a business opportunity from a real estate point of view."    

Taushani also believes the competition among pizza places in IGH will be a benefit to the city's residents.       

"I think competition is good for the customers and can be good for the business," Taushani said. "Our concept is different from the pizza places around town. We are similar to Papa Murphy's in the pizza part but distinguish ourselves with the pasta bar."  

Check out Papa Bello's menu and keep reading Patch for any updates on this story.