Same Name for Gallo Nero, But New Owner for Pizzeria

Gallo Nero Pizzeria is going from Portuguese roots to a more Albanian flavor.

Aleko Pashaj is the new owner of the Main Street pizza shop in Peabody and says he doesn't plan to change much in the way of the layout.

The Licensing Board signed off on a transfer of the beer and wine license over to Pashaj and the City Council did likewise with an entertainment license for a TV, CD player and radio. The former owner is listed as Anestis Vassiliades of Danvers.

Attorney Patrick Delaney told the Licensing Board last week Pashaj had entered into an asset purchase agreement with the owners, he would be taking over the lease on the building, leaving the name as is and would be open seven days a week.

According to a financial disclosure form on file with the city, that sale price appears to be $177,000 for the business assets.

Delaney also said Pashaj, who lives in Beverly, just became an American citizen in June. He's worked here in the restaurant business in Wakefield and Topsfield and back home as well in Albania and Greece.

As for the alcohol, Pashaj plans to serve wine with dinner. Board members also warned him about random annual compliance checks conducted by the Police Department.

"When we say entertainment, we think rock 'n roll and belly dancers, but this is actually just for television and a radio," quipped Ward 2 Councilor Arthur Athas on Thursday, reflecting back on some of the more notorious requests to come before the council.

Gallo Nero is located at 89 Main St. The operating hours will be 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday and noon - 9 p.m. on Sunday.