Palladino's
Out of the office, into the kitchen
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Palladino's Pizzeria owners Claudia and Illya Lasting, and Darren Palaszewski serve the busy lunch crowd at 4950 Harlem Road at Sheridan Drive. The group took over ownership after years of working in in an office. Photo by John Rusac Purchase photos at www.BeeNews.com

The days of sitting in a cubicle lasted 12 years for Darren Palaszewski before he decided it was time for a career change.

Employed in the marketing department of Ingram Micro, Palaszewski met Illya Lasting, a six-year employee, and together they developed a plan to go into business together.

"Just to work for ourselves. I always wanted to own a business," Palaszewski said about changing careers.

They chose to buy Palladino's Pizzeria at the corner of Sheridan Drive and Harlem Road. Operating under the same name, the new business opened in September.

"Nick's closed, and we thought there was a void for a pizzeria in the area," Palaszewski said. "It was time for a change. The opportunity came up, so we gave it a shot."

Palladino's was for sale after being owned by the family for 16 years. Taking the familiar name, Lasting and Palaszewski added their own spice to the pizzeria, creating a New York-style pizza and homemade NYC-style Italian ice.

They also make tacos, calzones, subs, salads, wings and chicken fingers. Pizzas can also be made with soy cheese and whole wheat dough.

Lasting said he had worked in the restaurant business for almost 15 years before joining Ingram Micro.

"There is no possibility (of success) without risk," Lasting said about the career change and owning a restaurant.

They both agreed their time in the corporate world was a pleasant one but looking into their futures they needed a change of pace.

"We have adapted well ... the biggest change was being on your feet all day after being in a cube for 12 years," Palaszewski said. "We have no regrets at all; it's been a great experience."

The new owners have found success in their first six months. The lunch crowd has grown about 200 percent, according to Palaszewski.

Catering and delivery are now available. The duo said they can accommodate most orders in the area.

A char-B-Q pit was added, increasing the menu for barbecue wings and other items. This summer the owners plan to build a serving window for the outdoor patio.

Palaszewski said Palladino's is currently trying to send pizza and wings to soldiers from the Niagara Falls Reserve Base serving in Kuwait. After being contacted by the troop via e-mail, the pizzeria is figuring out the final details to get the food to the soldiers.

With experience in marketing, Lasting and Palaszewski canvassed the town, getting their name and food out to businesses, hotels and schools.

Palladino's Pizzeria is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 4 to 10 p.m. Sunday at 4950 Harlem Road, in the Sheridan/Harlem Plaza. All major credit cards are accepted.

Call 839-0777 or go online to www. freewebs. com/ palladinos for more information.

e-mail: jfinch@beenews.com