Canton Township was a much different place when Paul and Fay Palazzolo decided to open Palermo Pizzeria & Restaurant in 1981.  Very little development could be found along Ford Road west of Canton Center. Police officers would patrol the area and stop by the eatery on horseback. 

But despite this, Paul Palazzolo said he had a feeling Canton would need an Italian restaurant after he spent time in the township working odd construction jobs when he was younger while also working at a Downriver restaurant.