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Eatery gets new name, retains former flavor

Staff photo

The sign over Paul's Place isn't the only thing remaining from the Cafe Grand - the tables are the same as well.

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By ERIC HORCHY

The Suncoast News

Published: November 13, 2009

NEW PORT RICHEY - The old, vertical Cafe Grand sign still sits over the restaurant's awning at the corner of Grand Boulevard and Nebraska Avenue, but the longtime eatery now goes by a new title.

Paul's Place opened its doors recently to restore much of the original personality and ambiance to one of downtown New Port Richey's most recognizable establishments for nearly two decades.

"We kept pretty much everything the way Joe (Catania) had," said owner Patty Robb of The Cafe Grand's original proprietor. Robb runs the restaurant with her husband, Paul. "It was (Catania's) dream and his vision, so we knew it was very special."

"Since it has a little bit of history, we didn't want to change too much."

The couple describes Paul's Place as having the "fine-dining atmosphere" but "without the fine-dining price."

With a capacity of 115, the quaint, two-room restaurant with adjoining patio seating offers the same, blond-colored wood tables used by Cafe Grand and incorporates a black-and-white motif with its tablecloths and folded linens.

The main room's high ceiling and neatly crafted light fixtures complement the fine-dining experience being offered. Also in line with the old Cafe Grand feel is the grand piano nestled into the banquet room's corner. Paul Robb said that, on occasion, a local pianist will be in house to perform.

New Port Richey Council member and Greater New Port Richey Main Street executive director Judy DeBella Thomas said the refurbishing is a welcome addition to downtown.

"We're delighted to see Paul's Place open there. Probably one of the most satisfying things for us is when another restaurant opens in the same spot that one has closed because it's the best use for that facility."

Along with Paul's Place, DeBella Thomas cited the recent opening of Mezzaluna at the Chasco Inn as another operation that helps encourage the growth and revitalization of downtown New Port Richey.

Open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, Paul's Place boasts an extensive menu.

From its prime rib to its salmon, Philly cheesesteak and 22-ounce stuffed pork chop, Patty Robb added that every available item is made to order. Nothing in the kitchen is premade.

A five-seat bar in the restaurant's back serves beer and wine.

With its location directly across from Richey Suncoast Theatre, Paul's Place also will cater to those exiting a show.

On performance nights, the restaurant will remain open to serve coffee and dessert.

And as for that old Cafe Grand sign on the building's second-story edge, the couple plans to let it be. They will eventually adorn the front windows with the new name, but the original name recognition is ingrained in the community.

Being known along the lines of something like "Paul's Place at The Cafe Grand" wouldn't bother them at all, Paul Robb said, mentioning that the old sign adds to the restaurant's general concept.

"It's really just a quiet, romantic little cafe and restaurant in beautiful downtown New Port Richey," Patty Robb said in summation.

"I think she's going to be just fine. Paul and I are looking forward to many years of being here and keeping her Paul's Place."

Reporter Eric Horchy can be reached at (727) 815-1071 or ehorchy@suncoastnews.com.

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