Chef Joe Sweeney is filled with energy and exudes a passion and love of cooking.

Back in 2001, Sweeney, a 2003 Whitehall High School graduate, contacted the owner of Paolo's Italian Restaurant in Northampton and told him he was interested in attending culinary school. Paulo asked Sweeney to come in that Thursday. The rest is history.

Sweeney, who now owns the restaurant, began working as a dishwasher at Paolo's. From dishwasher, he worked his way up the ladder to salad station and prep cook.

When the time arrived, Sweeney packed his bags and headed off to the Culinary Institute of America where he studied the culinary arts, graduating in 2005.

In 2009 Sweeney acquired the restaurant. The menu includes everything from cheese steak to lobster and filet mignon. The pasta, Sweeney said, is homemade and some of the restaurant's more unique dishes include Sachette Portobello with a truffle cream sauce. Prices range from $10.95 to $42.95.

Sweeney believes his restaurant is markedly different from large chain establishments.

"Our reputation sets us apart," he said. "We're a family restaurant that offers quality food at a good price. People know they are going to get two or three meals out of one portion."

He said his love of cooking dates back to his younger years.

"I always had an interest in cooking," Sweeney said. "I would bake cookies with my grandparents and aunt. It's something I've always been interested in."

Customers Mary Carol and Bernie Steber, of Allentown, have been dining at Paolo's since 1998. What brings them back after all these years is both the food and the staff.

"Everything is excellent," Bernie said. "The food is terrific and the people are fantastic."

"We've been coming so often, we're almost family," added Carol.

Sweeney said he advertises his restaurant through traditional methods as well as building upon 10 years of reputation.

"We're maintaining classic recipes, but expanding upon our menu," he said.

Sweeney's grandparents helped him purchase the restaurant. He said he is currently in the process of obtaining refinancing in the form of a loan through the Small Business Administration.

While customers have ranged from Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell and an actor from the show "Lost" to those visiting from California and Texas, locals will continue to visit and enjoy the food and aura of the restaurant.

"We come once a week," Bernie said. "Sometimes when we're hungry we'll be here more often."

The restaurant is open Tuesday through Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday noon-8 p.m. The restaurant is closed Mondays.

Additional information on the menu and prices can be found at the restaurant's website at www.paolositalianrestaurant.com/.