Our Maine Street's Aroostook Issue 4 : Spring 2010 | Page 51

Aroostook Eats

Napoli’s Pizza
Can you introduce yourself to our readers?

I’m originally from Caribou, born and raised here and all
my roots are here. I completed my college in Bangor and used my
schooling to work in cities such as Baltimore, MD. and D.C. I’ve
been back to my origin since 2001 and became an entrepreneur
in 2005 with Napoli’s Italian Restaurant since purchasing it from
the original owner, who tried to make a stand but was not used
to our winters.
Can you fill us in on the history you have with the restaurant
business?

I have been in the restaurant business since I was fifteen
starting at the local Yusef ’s restaurant when Loring Air Force
Base was still around. I moved to Bangor to further pursue my
education and worked for Geaghan’s Irish Restaurant as kitchen
manager who enabled me to complete my education at Husson
College. When I moved back home, I was a sales representative for
Northcenter PFG and became friends with various restaurateurs
in the County. I accomplished many objectives in five years
before going on my own with this new business venture. Basically
the Italians said it well “Amici e vini sono meglio vecchie”, Old
friends and old wine are best!
What brought you back to the county?

That is not an easy question. I feel that this is a place to
raise a family, politics aside and that if we stay strong, we “the
county” is the place to be. I love my kids and just want the best
for them. My Ashley Jane, Jace, and Sadielee are why I push on in
t h i s trying
economy. This community is what I wanted

for them. As we stand strong we hope we can give something
back to the community.
What is the theme of your establishment?

“Fine Italian Cuisine” You know when you come to
Napolis there is a little piece of Italy that can be experienced in
northern Maine. A piece of Boston, New York, Jersey, Connecticut
and Maryland that can be had here for those who enjoy a taste of
the big city right here in the county. All our sauces are homemade
or done to order, something the chain restaurants can not boast.
“Chi Mangia Bene, Vive Bene!” Who eats well, lives well!
What is your menu?

My menu consists of authentic Italian cuisine sautéed
to order, I relish in finding new presentations for my friends
in the County so I also do American cuisine such as burgers,
ribeye, and stuffed haddock to keep my hometown at heart. I
run daily specials that are affordable and fill the plate. I pride
myself on original dishes such as the Polo Dolominte, Osso Buco,
and Shrimp Alfredo which I create on a weekly basis. Napolis is
here to be creative, even if I have to read Mario Batali to get the
job done. Our homemade dough pizzas are cooked on the stone
and spun in the air to give that crisp bite. They are unusual to
the area, like our specialties, “the Greek”, “Buffalo Chicken”, and
“Alfredo” to name a few. Watch out for out for our huge salads,
t