Biz Buzz: Family to reopen 2 Galena businesses

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Biz Buzz shares business tidbits from the tri-states. In this edition, we highlight developments in Galena, Ill., and Dubuque.

It’s a family affair for two Galena businesses that plan to reopen their doors in the next month following renovations and ownership changes.

Sophie and Tom Pfile own Cannova’s Pizzeria at 247 N. Main St. The restaurant offers house-made Italian cuisine, from thin crust pizza to lasagna.

The Pfiles took the helm at the longtime Galena business in August 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, Sophie Pfile said, they have offered pickup and delivery options but have not yet reopened for dine-in services.

During the physical closure, the couple renovated the business. Pfile said they expanded the kitchen and streamlined the space in preparation for resuming dine-in services, which they hope to do by early March.

“This has been an opportunity to make some changes to make it a little more efficient and a little more ours,” she said.

While the couple is readying to reopen Cannova’s, the rest of the family has put its stamp on another longtime business next door.

In January, Tom and Sophie partnered with Tom’s parents, Theresa and Timothy Pfile, to purchase local bar The Gold Room at 249 N. Main St.

Following minor renovations, The Gold Room is poised to reopen within the month, said Tom’s sister, April McAuliffe, who is helping with the business.

“The feel is still the same. We’re just looking to give the people of Galena the spot that they like to go to,” she said. “The Gold Room has been here as long as I can remember.”

While the businesses are separate entities, their physical proximity has always led Cannova’s and The Gold Room to work closely together, said Sophie Pfile.

That relationship will be strengthened now that the two businesses are in the family.

“It’s definitely rewarding to put all this time and effort into a family business,” McAuliffe said. “It’s been a lot of fun.”

Cannova’s is open for delivery and carryout from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday and from 4 to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The business can be reached at 815-777-3735 or 815-777-8020.

Upon opening, The Gold Room will be open from noon to 1 a.m. Monday to Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday to Sunday. The business can be reached at 815-402-2297.