One of the most famous names in the Twin Cities dining scene has died.
WCCO Radio's Jason DeRusha has confirmed that Dave Cossetta, 70, died from a sudden medical event, according to multiple sources close to the family.
Cossetta was in Italy, where his executive pastry chef competed in the World Cup of Panettone and was judged the critic’s choice and the best panettone outside of Europe. DeRusha says the panettone program and the competition were his pride and joy.
"I just saw Dave at the 'Panettone Palace' a couple of weeks ago where he was beaming, excited about competing and excited about the holiday season where Cossetta will create tens of thousands of holiday panettones," DeRusha says.
One source indicates that he was on the way to deliver a panettone to the Pope when he died.
Cossetta is the fourth generation owner of St. Paul’s West 7th Street Italian empire: Cossetta Alimentari, an Italian cafeteria-style restaurant with legendary Italian sausage, a grocery store, and a pastry shop.
Statement from the family of Dave Cossetta:
"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.
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. His next chapter was to bring Cossetta to the nation beyond St. Paul through panettone, which he had spent more than 15 years perfecting.
Above all, Dave loved his family, his city, and the people who walked through his doors. Service details will be shared as they become available. We will carry on as Dave would have wanted: together, around the table."
