Pedro Carbajal of Marshalltown believed it was time to be his own boss.

After working as a head cook for others, the entrepreneur who “loves to cook” decided to open his own business, Primavera’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, 10 W. Main St.

He and staff opened it Monday and are pleased with the results.

Cooking Italian food is Carbajal’s speciality, and the menu reflects several he is partial to and a personal favorite.

That is the “Murphey,” which is a chicken breast, mushrooms, onions, artichoke hearts and jalapenos sauteed in Sherry and pink sauce, It served with the customer’s choice of spaghetti, angel hair pasta or ziti.

The menu is extensive, with selections of desserts, pasta pizza, sandwiches and seafood.

In addition to the Murphey, other entrees are chicken or eggplant parmigiana and fettuccine madera. The tour of Italy, offers chicken parmigiana, lasagna and a side of fettucine alfredo.

Carbajal was especially excited about 11 pizza choices – ranging from authentic New York style to Mediterranean white to Greek pizza.

Rounding out the menu are lunch specials at $8.99, which includes lasagna, manicotti, cannelloni and ravioli.

The restaurant will cater for all occasions.

Marshalltown was his first choice for his business venture, he said, with good reason.

Carbajal was head cook at the former Joe’s Italian Grille.

“Customers told me they loved the food,” he said. “That is one of the reasons I came back to Marshalltown.”

After Joe’s closed, Carbajal worked in Ottumwa until the time was right.

He found a location on Marshalltown’s Main Street, site of a closed Mexican restaurant.

“It is just the right size,” Carbajal said.

Primavera is open 11 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Closed Sunday. Contact 641-753-1040.