PALMA’S  KITCHEN

Palma Pasta was founded in 1985 by Marsilio and Palma Petrucci and remains a family business to this day, renowned for their truly authentic Italian pastas and sauces. Over the years the business expanded to include a small restaurant and catering service out of their main factory in Mississauga that became so successful a separate facility was needed. When the neighbouring building became available it was purchased and preparations for its transformation into Palma’s Kitchen began.

The shell of the building was maintained but the entire interior is new with the public commercial spaces at the front with the commercial kitchen for the catering and restaurant at the back. Public spaces include restaurant seating, a restaurant food serving counter, a grocery area where Italian food products can be found along with Palma’s fresh and frozen prepared foods. The kitchen is open to the serving and grocery area providing animation as patrons watch how their food is prepared. The atmosphere was envisioned to be open, inviting and bright reminiscent of a market found in a piazza in Rome.

Windows were added on the north elevation of the restaurant area opening up the ground floor visually to connect to the street. On dark winter days, the view is reversed and the restaurant becomes a visual magnet of activity from outside. Central clerestory windows were also added on the north elevation to match the existing on the south side, allowing the central interior to be filled with natural light and change with the weather reinforcing the exterior market atmosphere. The polished concrete floors add a slight industrial flavor, while the custom wood clad millwork and architectural elements provide directional clues and unify the spaces. White marble-esque countertops and bright colours complete the palate.

Palma’s Kitchen has become a local favorite and landmark in Mississauga.

Photography by: Manson Images