Rep. Zupkus presents citation to Hometown Pizza in Prospect and its owner
PROSPECT – Xhevat “Jeff” Pacuku’s story is the American dream come true in the Town of Prospect. Mr. Pacuku is an Albanian immigrant who traveled to the United States in 1999 after the Kosovo War erupted in his native country. He worked as an engineer (and his brother was a neurosurgeon) in Albania, but when he moved here, he spoke little English.
He landed a job as a dishwasher at first, and slowly and steadily he put away enough money to become a small business owner and opened a luncheonette in town.
From there, he established a small restaurant in Prospect, Hometown Pizza. Through hard work and determination, and supported by his family, he grew that business from the ground up – it now includes multiple locations throughout the area, including Bristol, Terryville and Litchfield.
On Tuesday, February 1, Deputy House Leader Lezlye Zupkus, R-89th, Mayor Robert Chatfield and Lt. Nelson Abarzua of the Prospect Police Department were honored to be there when Mr. Pacuku cut the ribbon on the renovation of his new restaurant on Prospect Road, which had been a former dairy bar. Rep. Zupkus also presented Mr. Pacuku with a citation from the Connecticut General Assembly for his hard work and determination.
Mr. Pacuku has been in business for 27 years and this is his 30th year living in Prospect. Rep. Zupkus congratulated him, his family and all his employees and wished them continued success.