Longtime Lake Norman pizzeria has a new owner, but same homemade recipes, pies
Prosciutto’s Pizzeria & Pub, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in November in Shops on the Green in Cornelius, has a new owner who’s been affiliated with the establishment since the start.
Founders Joel and Kelly Pfyffer sold the establishment this week to Deb Colson, whom they described on Facebook as “a very close friend” who “has been a part of the Prosciutto’s family for the last 20 years. She will now take over, and we know that Prosciutto’s is in great hands!”
Colson told CharlotteFive that the menu known for its homemade pizzas and other Italian recipes will remain the same.
“Why change something that’s great,” she said.
That’s great news to this longtime patron, who was a regular when The Charlotte Observer had a Lake Norman news bureau in Shops on the Green off Interstate 77, Exit 28, in the 2000s. I couldn’t get enough of the pizzas with a crust like no other.
Patrons will also see the same staff, including amiable, longtime bartender “Sully,” whom Colson said is the best on the lake. Like soccer greats, he goes by a single name.
‘A place I called home’
Colson said she’s excited to own the establishment and be back in the community after 10 years of traveling in the trade show marketing industry. She previously worked as a server at Prosciutto’s.
She bought the restaurant with her youngest son, Derek, “from one of my dearest friends” – Joel Pfyffer, she said.
“A place I called home when my kids were little,” Colson said on Facebook. “A place I met some of my closest friends. So many memories and good times. I am beyond excited to work with the wonderful team here that have made Prosciutto’s a hometown favorite.”
On Facebook, Joel Pfyffer thanked “everyone for the last couple of decades we spent building a business and friendships. So many memories and friends have been made it would be impossible to count.”
He said he’s “onto career 2.0!”, although he was not more specific.
Colson thanked Pfyffer “for trusting me with such a treasure.”
“Can’t wait to meet all of the regulars and our new guests,” she said.
Stefon Diggs jersey
Although a Buffalo native and a lifelong Bills fan, Colson said Prosciutto’s will continue to serve as a second home to fans of the New England Patriots. Prosciutto’s Boston sports motif reflects the Pfyffers’ New Hampshire roots.
She’ll preserve the atmosphere on Super Bowl Sunday and avoid touting her true allegiance, she said. Although she may pull out her Buffalo Bills Stefon Diggs jersey – the wide receiver who now stars for the rival Patriots.
Prosciutto’s Pizzeria & Pub
Location: 20920 Torrence Chapel Road, Cornelius, NC 28031.
Cuisine: Italian
Instagram: @prosciuttospizzapub.