Europa opens on Main Street in downtown Covington

After Jeff Palmieri and his father purchased Findlay Market’s Angelina’s Fine Italian Foods from Jeff’s cousin, they eventually decided that they wanted to open another restaurant inspired by the European cuisine that Jeff’s father, a first generation immigrant from Italy, grew up with.

As they were looking for a location, the space at 616 Main Street in Covington jumped out at them.  “We loved that there was a courtyard outside next to the space.  It reminded my father of the European courtyards you see so often there,” said Palmieri.

Once they got the space it took about another nine months before they were finally able to open for business in late June.  Palmieri says that other than significant electrical work, the space was in pretty good shape for what they were looking to do with it.

Now guests can be treated to a “little taste of Europe” and try everything from paninis, crepes, gelato, coffee and espressos, and even full tea service.  Europa’s sandwiches go for $6.95, and a medium-sized gelato costs $3.25 which Palmieri says is a pretty good size portion.

Much of Europa’s business is carry-out, but the cafe does also have a small dining area in the back that seats about 32 people.

With the new location the Palmieri’s are now operating both Europa in Covington and Angelina’s in Findlay Market with a staff of about 14 is rotating between the two cafes.  Jeff Palmeiri has taken over operations of Europa which he is also part-owner with his mother, while his father can be seen running Angelina’s in nearby Over-the-Rhine.

“We’re content for now, but we will certainly look to expand our businesses,” says Palmeiri about future business plans.

Europa is open Tuesday through Thursday from 7am to 10pm, Friday and Saturday from 7am to 1am, Sunday from 10am to 5pm and is closed on Mondays.  For more information call Europa at (859) 916-5511.

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Photography by Scott Beseler
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