Dave Cossetta, whose family name defined St. Paul dining, dies at 70

David Cossetta, a man whose name is synonymous with St. Paul dining, has died at age 70. A statement from the family said the restaurateur was traveling in Rome with friends, family and his team when he died suddenly. Just days earlier, they had competed in the Panettone World Cup, where the Cossetta’s team brought home two awards. Cossetta was just 21 when he took over Italian grocery store in St. Paul that had been founded by his great-grandfather. Cossetta moved the business to St. Paul’s West 7th Street in 1988, heavily investing in the business into a sprawling Italian food destination. He told the Star Tribune at the time, “I’m taking a huge risk trying to do something good here.” Advertisement “My heart is broken by the loss of Dave Cossetta,” said St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her. “For generations, the Cossetta family has welcomed Saint Paul to their table on West 7th Street, and Dave carried that tradition with pride and generosity.” This is a developing story.