Piazza Italia

Gino & Kevin, a Portland native who grew up visiting his family in Casale Monferrato, Piedmont, shared many common interests: quality italian food, SOCCER, music & friends. Yet they hadn't found that one place that reminded them of home. That evening, they decided to stop looking for a place they loved and to build one instead. The place they settled on was on the corner of 12th and NW Johnson, a new and upcoming area back then - which is now known as the Pearl District. After a long period of construction, including the import of massive pieces of italian sculptures, the place was ready to open. Gino never did anything on a small scale and the grand opening was a signal to Portland of things to come. They closed down the street and held a great block party with music and dancing, which featured the famous group of flaggers from San Sepolcro; it was Oct. 5, 2000.