Meet Owner Dave The Man Behind Mansetti's Shoreview

Employee 1994 - 2001 Owner 2001 to Present

When I first stepped through the doors of Mansetti's Shoreview in 1994, I was a 17-year-old high school student looking for a part-time job. At the time, I had no idea that this place would become such a central part of my life. I was just looking for something to do after school, so I started working at Mansetti's, which was conveniently close to my house. What began as a simple job quickly turned into a passion, and little did I know, it would shape my entire future.

I started out doing the usual tasks—bussing tables, washing dishes, helping out wherever I could. But as time went on, I found myself more and more drawn to the kitchen. There was something special about the process of making pizza, from mixing the dough to layering the toppings just right. Before long, I was learning the art of pizza-making, and that’s when my love for the business truly began.

By the time I was 24, I had gained a deep understanding of how the restaurant operated, and when the opportunity arose to buy Mansetti's in 2001, I knew I had to take it. Owning the restaurant wasn’t just about running a business; it was about continuing the tradition and community that Mansetti's had fostered for years. I wanted to ensure that our customers continued to have a place where they felt welcome, could enjoy great food, and share good times.

Since taking over, I’ve made it my mission to be involved in every aspect of the restaurant. I believe the key to running a successful restaurant is being hands-on, so I’m here every day, preparing the sauces, rolling the meatballs, and making the dough from scratch, just like it was when I first started working here. I take pride in the fact that I still make nearly every pizza that comes out of our kitchen. There’s something special about knowing I’m carrying on the traditions I learned as a teenager, while also putting my own stamp on the place.

Over the years, Mansetti's has earned a reputation for being one of the best places to eat in Shoreview and beyond. We’ve been recognized with several awards, which means a lot to me and the entire team here. We’ve been voted the best place for pizza multiple times, including in 2020 and 2023. But it doesn’t stop there—Mansetti's has also been honored as the Best Italian Restaurant, and our pasta dishes have won accolades as well, including Best Pasta and Best Lasagna. In particular, our Mama’s Lasagna has become a fan favorite, earning the title of Best Lasagna in 2023 from the Shoreview Press. These awards are a testament to the hard work and dedication that goes into every dish we serve, and they reflect our commitment to quality and tradition.

One of the highlights of our journey was being featured on Twin Cities Live in 2011. It was an incredible experience to see Mansetti's showcased on television, and it brought a lot of attention to what we do here. The recognition was great, but what meant even more to me was the overwhelming support from our customers. They were just as excited as we were to see Mansetti's get the spotlight, and it really drove home how much this place means to the community.

Speaking of community, that’s something that has always been at the heart of what we do at Mansetti's. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know so many of our customers. Some of them have been coming here since before I took over, and I’ve watched their families grow and change. It’s incredible to see how Mansetti's has become a part of their lives, just as it has been a part of mine. I know most of our regulars by name, and I love hearing their stories and catching up with them whenever they come in. It’s that sense of connection that makes what I do so rewarding.

I’m also deeply committed to giving back to the community that has given so much to me. Shoreview is a special place, and I’m proud to be able to contribute to it. Mounds View High School holds a special place in my heart—I graduated from there in 1996, and I make it a point to support the school whenever I can. Whether it’s sponsoring events, providing pizzas for fundraisers, or just being there to lend a hand, I’m always happy to help out. I’m also involved in other local events because I believe a business like Mansetti's should be an integral part of the community it serves.

Running a restaurant isn’t without its challenges—there are long hours, and it can be stressful at times. But when I see the smiles on our customers' faces as they enjoy their meals, it makes it all worthwhile. I love hearing stories from customers about how they’ve been coming to Mansetti's for years, or how our food reminds them of a special memory. It’s those connections that make what I do so meaningful. Mansetti's isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a place where people come together, where friendships are formed, and where memories are made.

As I approach my 30th anniversary in December 2024, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for everything this journey has brought me. It’s incredible to think about how far I’ve come since I first started working here as a teenager. I’ve grown, evolved, and earned recognition for what we do, but at the core, we’ve stayed true to the values that made Mansetti's special in the first place: quality food, a welcoming atmosphere, and a deep connection to our community.

Looking ahead, I’m excited about what the future holds for Mansetti's. We’ve been a staple in Shoreview for nearly four decades, and I’m committed to ensuring that we continue to be a place where people can come together and enjoy great food. Whether it’s by continuing to serve the high-quality dishes we’re known for, supporting local schools and events, or simply being a place where people feel at home, I’m dedicated to keeping the spirit of Mansetti's alive for many more years to come.

So, if you haven’t been to Mansetti's lately, I invite you to stop by and see what we’re all about. Whether you’re a longtime customer or a first-time visitor, you’ll find a warm welcome and a delicious meal waiting for you. And if you see me in the kitchen, don’t hesitate to say hello—I’m always happy to chat with our customers and hear their stories. After all, that’s what Mansetti's is all about: great food, lasting memories, and a sense of community that you won’t find anywhere else.