The Paolucci family business dates back to 1894 when two brothers Felix and Dominic Paolucci came to Atchison from Frosolone, Italy, a small town just north of Naples. Together, along with Dominic’s wife Rosa, they started Paolucci’s Grocery. Dominic and Rosa had three sons, Nick, John, and Felix, and one daughter, Mary.

Nick, John, and Mary stayed with their parents to help run the store, while Felix left Atchison to pursue a career in the Navy. In 1936, Mary Paolucci married Ed Begley and created what is now known as Paolucci and Begley Grocery.

Mary and Ed had four children, Rosemary, Ed, Joe, and Mike. Rosa Paolucci passed away in 1958, leaving the store to Nick, John, and Mary. Mary’s youngest son, Mike Begley, joined the family business in 1970. Mary J. Begley died on October 2, 2000.

In 1983, Mike and his wife Margie opened Paolucci’s Restaurant (formerly Jack’s Cafe). They have two sons, Ed and Mark. Above the restaurant, the Old Traverler’s Hotel became Paolucci’s Lounge in 1990 and is now run by Ed Begley. Mark Begley is a financial planner in Atchison.

Paolucci’s has been in business for 125 years. Our ties to Atchison go back many years, and we hope they last much longer. We thank you, the people of Atchison, for giving the Paolucci-Begley family the opportunity to be a part of this great community.