Joseph Putrello is excited to talk about coffee. Specifically, Italian coffee and espresso.
“Espresso is the most misunderstood coffee, because it’s a process,” he said. “It’s a process of how it’s made.”
Joseph Putrello Coffee Barista Bar opened Nov. 19. It was originally going to open eight months ago, alongside Nostro Restobar and Lounge, Putrello said. Owner Francis Pezzolanella, who also owns Ocean Blue Restaurant and Oyster Bar, planned to offer modern Italian cuisine at a European-style bar and restaurant in the southwestern half of the shared building at 268 Genesee St.

“They were doing authentic Italian food, we’re doing authentic Italian coffee,” Putrello said.
But when the restaurant didn’t open, Putrello decided eventually to open the coffee shop.
“I figured, if I’m just going to keep waiting, might as well open,” he said. “There was no good time.”

Putrello, who also owns Avanti Home Entertainment in Utica, said he always had a passion for espresso. He began selling his own brand of coffee two years ago, and then espresso machines.
“I always wanted to do my own place,” he said. “And this is offering authentic Italian coffee drinks.”
Joseph Putrello is excited to talk about coffee. Specifically, Italian coffee and espresso.
“Espresso is the most misunderstood coffee, because it’s a process,” he said. “It’s a process of how it’s made.”
Joseph Putrello Coffee Barista Bar opened Nov. 19. It was originally going to open eight months ago, alongside Nostro Restobar and Lounge, Putrello said. Owner Francis Pezzolanella, who also owns Ocean Blue Restaurant and Oyster Bar, planned to offer modern Italian cuisine at a European-style bar and restaurant in the southwestern half of the shared building at 268 Genesee St.

“They were doing authentic Italian food, we’re doing authentic Italian coffee,” Putrello said.
But when the restaurant didn’t open, Putrello decided eventually to open the coffee shop.
“I figured, if I’m just going to keep waiting, might as well open,” he said. “There was no good time.”

Putrello, who also owns Avanti Home Entertainment in Utica, said he always had a passion for espresso. He began selling his own brand of coffee two years ago, and then espresso machines.
“I always wanted to do my own place,” he said. “And this is offering authentic Italian coffee drinks.”
Joseph Putrello Coffee Barista Bar
- Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
- Contact: 315-793-7239
- Website: josephputrellocoffee.com

Sources: https://www.uticaod.com/story/business/2020/11/30/new-barista-bar-offers-italian-style-coffee-utica/6438334002/