And now there are three: Tony Pasquini, who opened the first Pasquini's Pizzeria on South Broadway in 1986, when he was barely old enough to have a liquor license but did have the help of his mom, Judy, now has a trio of spots called Tony P's. And he no longer has the original spot, which he sold to his sister. See also: - Pasquini's on 17th gets its dance cabaret license -Pasquini's changes name of Cherry Creek spot to Tony P's - Drunk of the Week: Zio Romolo's Alley Bar
Unbeknownst to him, at the same time he also sold the rights to the Pasquini Pizzeria name -- or at least, that's what the courts have ruled so far. He learned that last year, when he opened a restaurant in Cherry Creek, which he quickly renamed Tony P's.
And now the Pasquini's on West 32nd Avenue has been redubbed Tony P's, as has the restaurant he opened last fall in the spot on East 17th Avenue that was previously home to JR's. (That location has also added salsa nights on Wednesdays, as well as a Saturday night Italian-themed disco party, DISKO Paninaro, in the upstairs lounge.)
The ongoing legal dispute was clearly a reason for the rebranding, but so was Tony Pasquini's desire to emphasize his updated spots and expanded menu -- and simply move on. "We're truly blessed to have the opportunity to promote our positive attitude in the Highland, Uptown and Cherry Creek neighborhoods," he says, "and to continue to promote the values we've held dear for over two decades: respect, acceptance of all walks of life, and, of course, good food and hospitality."
Tony Pasquini does own one last Pasquini's Pizzeria, though: The location near Park Meadows in Lone Tree still carries the original name....for now, at least.
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