Papa Bear’s Italian Restaurant owners set soft opening date

NORTH CANTON − An owner of the new Papa Bear’s Italian Restaurant, still under construction at 305 Applegrove St. NW in North Canton, anticipates an Oct. 1 soft opening.

Papa Bear’s Italian Restaurant has been a staple in Stark County since it first opened in 1986 on Belpar Street NW in Jackson Township. When it outgrew that spot, it relocated to Dressler Road in 1988.

That restaurant closed in 2022, when co-owner Dave DiPietro said a new spot would be opening.

DiPietro, who also owns the Pizza Oven brand with his brother, Steve, said the pair is eager to return to a smaller, more intimate setting for the cherished restaurant. It will be located in the new plaza that houses Meijer at Applegrove NW and East Main Street in North Canton.

“We’re excited about the new location,” Dave said. “The new restaurant will seat 127 guests, with an additional 12 seats at the bar. It will feature a four-season patio, and carryout will be available.”

Guests can expect the same menu, from traditional pastas with meat and red sauces to house specialties like spicy feta chicken pasta and Mama Bear’s stuffed shells.

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The new Papa Bear's also will have a separate entrance for Pizza Oven. An existing Pizza Oven location at 1589 N. Main St. in North Canton will close, then reopen as part of the new facility.

Reach Bev at bshaffer@gannett.com or 330-580-8318.