St. Paul’s Dave Cossetta remembered for his tenacity, mentorship and generosity

When news broke Thursday that Dave Cossetta, the larger-than-life presence on St. Paul’s W. 7th Street, died suddenly while in Italy, there was an immediate outpouring of tributes. Cossetta was a fully realized character whose tenacity transformed his small family business into an iconic dining destination.

Neighborhoods in St. Paul felt his generosity through philanthropy, volunteering, and encouragement to ‘Stay out of trouble.’ Susan Dean and Mark Broderick are familiar faces at Cossetta’s, stopping by the restaurant every few months, whether it’s to bring friends from out of town or to get their regular orders. On Thursday, that included mostaccioli with red sauce. Being from St. Paul, they appreciate what Cossetta has built.

‘It’s a great place to bring people, the atmosphere is good,’ Dean said. ‘And it’s nice to see that it’s been passed down among generations, just keeping some of the Italian culture present that is part of St. Paul’s history.’

What Happened

Politicians and longtime customers alike paid tribute to Cossetta, who was known as a legend in St. Paul. His death came just two days after winning two awards at the Coppa Del Mondo del Panettone in Milan, according to a Cossetta spokesperson.

‘My heart is broken by the loss of Dave Cossetta. For generations, the Cossetta family has welcomed St. Paul to their table on West 7th Street, and Dave carried that tradition with pride and generosity,’ said a political leader. ‘So many of us have marked birthdays, high school sports tournaments, graduations, and ordinary Tuesday nights at Cossetta’s. St. Paul stands with the Cossetta family and everyone who loved Dave. We will honor his life and keep his legacy alive in the city he gave so much to.’

The Cossetta family statement echoed these sentiments, noting that 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.

‘He built [Cossetta] 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,’ said the spokesperson. ‘Above all, Dave loved his family, his city, and the people who walked through his doors. We will carry on as Dave would have wanted: together, around the table.’

Friends and colleagues remembered Cossetta as a man who was always ready to help and give back. Pat Mancini, a lifelong friend and fellow restaurateur, said, ‘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.’

‘Above all, Dave loved his family, his city, and the people who walked through his doors,’ said Mancini. ‘We will carry on as Dave would have wanted: together, around the table.’

His final trip to Italy was bittersweet, as he collapsed and died in his hotel room while packing samples of Italian Christmas cakes to deliver to the Vatican. This was a moment he had been looking forward to, according to his friends.

Community Reaction

Joann Kinney of Apple Valley has been dining at Cossetta’s for more than 20 years. ‘We know what we’re gonna get when we come here,’ she said. ‘It’s a great place to bring people, the atmosphere is good, and it’s nice to see that it’s been passed down among generations, just keeping some of the Italian culture present that is part of St. Paul’s history.’

‘We will carry on as Dave would have wanted: together, around the table,’ said a Cossetta spokesperson. ‘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.’

Legacy and Impact

Friends delivered the panettones to the Vatican because they believed that is what he would have wanted. ‘He’ll be missed not only in this city, he’s very important to the city,’ said Mancini. ‘He will be missed now worldwide and his panettones will hopefully live on forever.’

‘Dave was a true St. Paul legend, and his passing is a loss to the community,’ said another statement. ‘He was a man who embodied the best of what our city has to offer: hard work, generosity, and a commitment to family and community. We will honor his memory by continuing to support his business and the values he stood for.’

What's Next

Services for Dave Cossetta are pending. The Cossetta family is committed to carrying on the legacy of their late owner, ensuring that the business continues to thrive and serve as a gathering place for all.

‘We are deeply saddened by the loss of Dave Cossetta and our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time,’ said a family spokesperson. ‘Dave’s legacy will live on through the continued operation of Cossetta and the many lives he touched. We will carry on as Dave would have wanted: together, around the table.’

‘We will honor his life and keep his legacy alive in the city he gave so much to,’ said another political leader. ‘St. Paul stands with the Cossetta family and everyone who loved Dave.’

Katherine's Take

The passing of Dave Cossetta is a profound loss for St. Paul, a city that thrives on its rich cultural heritage and the strong bonds formed over generations. His legacy extends far beyond the walls of Cossetta’s, touching the lives of countless individuals and families who have enjoyed his mostaccioli and panettones, celebrated their milestones there, and found a sense of community in his warm embrace. As we reflect on his life, it is clear that Cossetta’s is more than just a restaurant; it is a symbol of the American dream, built on commitment, family values, and the enduring spirit of hospitality. The community must come together to support the Cossetta family and ensure that Dave’s vision of a gathering place where everyone is welcome is not lost. We can honor his memory by supporting local businesses like Cossetta’s, which embody the best of our community’s values and traditions.

As we move forward, let us remember the lessons of Dave Cossetta: the importance of family, the power of generosity, and the joy of bringing people together. Let us carry on as Dave would have wanted: together, around the table.