Owner of Palermo’s Italian restaurant in Kettering to add 2nd location

The owner of Palermo's Italian restaurant in Kettering is adding a second location with the purchase of the Palermo's Italian restaurant in West Chester, which had been under separate ownership. MARK FISHER/STAFF

The owner of Palermo's Italian restaurant in Kettering is adding a second location with the purchase of the Palermo's Italian restaurant in West Chester, which had been under separate ownership. MARK FISHER/STAFF
What to Know
By Mark Fisher
May 5, 2020
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The owner of Palermo's Italian restaurant in Kettering is adding a second location.

Randy Fontana, a U.S. Army veteran who bought the 12-year-old Palermo’s Italian restaurant at 2667 S. Dixie Drive in July 2019, said he is in the process of purchasing the Palermo’s Italian Restaurant at 6096 West Chester Road in West Chester, which is under separate ownership.

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“One family, two restaurants,” Fontana told this news outlet. “We are proud to take over the West Chester location as an addition to our Palermo's family and staff.”

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The independent Kettering restaurant was founded in 2008 by Mefail "Meef" Demnika, who sold it in November 2017. Demnika founded the West Chester Palermo's restaurant in 2015, and sold it in 2017. He now operates Tuscany's Grill & Market in Centerville.

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Fontana said his purchase of the West Chester Palermo’s is on track to be finalized by the end of the week. “I have already signed the leasing agreement,” the restaurant owner said. “I am looking at hopefully being open for take-out by the end of May, possibly sooner. And when the restrictions are lifted for restaurants to offer dine-in, that location will be ready to go.”

The owner of Palermo's Italian restaurant in Kettering is adding a second location with the purchase of the Palermo's Italian restaurant in West Chester, which had been under separate ownership.

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“My initial goal was to eventually own both locations,” Fontana said. “We have done great things for Palermo's and its reputation, and I wanted the great new vibe and upgrades to be a part of both locations to ensure the success of a great local restaurant for our Ohioans.”

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The West Chester restaurant’s menu will be expanded to include gluten-free options, and its Italian wine selection will be upgraded, the Palermo’s owner said.

Fontana has one other expansion in the works: A new Palermo’s Italian food truck is coming soon, he said.

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“During these difficult times, we are blessed to stay in business, and to have a strong supportive community rooting for our success,” Fontana said.

For more information, check out Palermo's web site at www.palermositalian.com or the Palermo's Italian West Chester Facebook page, or the Palermo's Italian Kettering Facebook page, or call 937-299 - 8888.

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About the Author

Mark Fisher, a 1981 graduate of Ohio State University and a 1976 graduate of Beavercreek High School, is a third-generation Dayton-area resident who has worked for the Dayton Daily News since 1983. He covered higher education and K-12 education accountability issues for nearly 20 years before taking over the food and dining beat in 2006.