Over the past years, the City of Commerce has provided a limited number of businesses and restaurants. With the growing number of students each year at A&M-Commerce, many are hoping for new food choices. A new restaurant coming to Commerce known as “Luigi’s Italian Restaurant” will hopefully give students a reason to stay in Commerce for the weekends.
The owner of the Italian food chain decided to buy the last restaurant that stood before it, known as Paesano’s. “The City of Commerce didn’t choose that it be an Italian restaurant, the owner of this new restaurant wanted to buy the old Paesano’s, so he chose Commerce instead” said Mike Wiblin, City of Commerce building inspector. Wiblin also explained that the city has no control over the success or lack thereof over the businesses that decide to open in Commerce, but rather it is up to the establishment itself.
Despite Commerce’s efforts to keep restaurants alive near campus, hope still remains. “We hope it stays open for a long time!” said Wiblin. Whether or not students are excited about Luigi’s is uncertain, but the excitement of one student may give the new restaurant a push of faith. “I loved Paesano’s when they were here. The food was very good. Now that a new chain is coming, I will definitely eat there a lot. Commerce needs Italian food option.” said A&M-Commerce senior veterinarian student, Jessica Jacob.
Luigi’s is still in the process of being built, and there is no exact date for it’s opening, but according to the building inspector it will try to aim for after the first of this upcoming year.
