Paisan’s
Paisan's was an Italian restaurant near the University of Wisconsin campus, and one of the first places in Madison to get a pizza. It was founded in 1949, according to The Capital Times[1], or 1950, according to the State Journal[2], and closed in 2022.
History
Roy and Rose McCormick, who also founded Porta Bella in 1968, opened Paisan's with Rose's brother and sister-in-law, Joe and Bette Troia. Rose was a Troia, of an Italian family from the Greenbush neighbourhood[1]. It was "a popular spot for University of Wisconsin-Madison students — and a young Dave Zweifel's introduction to pizza"[1].
In 1985 Wally Borowski, Ed Shinnick and Jerry Meier bought the restaurants from Roy McCormick; Meier retired about 2013[2]. Paisan's moved several times[2]:
- the basement of Porta Bella, 425 N. Frances St., 1969 to 1975;
- University Square, 1975 to 2006;
- 131 W. Wilson St., 2006 to 2022. From September 2021 the city closed the building over structural concerns more than once, and the restaurant finally closed for good.
In December 2023 the owners planned to reopen Paisan's in Porta Bella's basement[2]. It never happened: Porta Bella closed on February 28, 2026, after 58 years, and Borowski and Shinnick retired[3][1].
Trivia
- The two dates for the founding, and for who sold the restaurants to the 1985 buyers, are still to be checked in the papers of the 1950s and 1980s.
Former Locations
- Where Paisan's was from 1949 or 1950 to 1969 is not yet known.
- 425 N. Frances St., in the basement of Porta Bella (1969 to 1975).
- University Square (1975 to 2006).
- 131 W. Wilson St. (2006 to 2022).
See also
- Frank & Andrea, next to the former Porta Bella
- Paisan's in the Madison Pizza Wiki database
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Rodriguez, A. (2026, March 11). "Visit one of Madison's oldest restaurants on its final night of service." The Capital Times. p. O26. Newspapers.com images 1315337327, 1315337342.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Kalk Derby, S. (2023, December 12). "When will Paisan's be back? Co-owner doesn't want brand to 'fade'." madison.com.
- ↑ Kalk Derby, S. (2026, February 18). "Porta Bella is closing this month after 58 years." madison.com.
