Cotati’s “Pasta King” Art Ibleto is opening a restaurant in Rohnert Park, the first for the famous Sonoma County chef and caterer.
Ibleto, 86, is most known for his Spaghetti Palace at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, which he ran for four decades and earned him his moniker.
The octogenarian is embarking on a new venture, a pizza restaurant called Art’s Place in what was previously the sports bar Season’s.
The restaurant, located at 563 West Rohnert Park Expressway, is set to open by the end of February. In addition to wood-fired pizza, it will serve up classics such as polenta, family style lasagna, paninis, and, of course, Ibleto’s famous marinara and pesto sauces.
Joining Ibleto in the venture will be his wife, Vickie, and family friends Greg and Wendy Kalemba.
Ibleto immigrated from Italy when he was 22 years old and became a zucchini picker in Petaluma. While working at the Ghirardelli Farm, he met and married the farmer’s daughter.
He also worked as a cow herder, Christmas tree farmer, butcher, pilot, mechanic, grape grower, vintner and later became the owner of The Pasta King catering company, which he still owns. Last year, Ibleto received a Lifetime Achievement award from the Sonoma County Fair for his contribution to the local food scene.
