Maggiano's Little Italy is bringing the authentic, Italian-American menu, generous family style portions, and distinct ambiance the brand is known for to Vernon Hills, Illinois, as well as a new lighter take on classic dishes.
On Monday, July 21, the doors open and welcome guests to Maggiano's first restaurant in the city and 47th location nationwide, located at Westfield Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills.
The restaurant seats approximately 300 guests and will be home to 150 Maggiano's teammates including Executive Chef Arturo Alvarado, who leads the scratch kitchen, and General Manager Ron Darnell, who oversees restaurant operations. With additional locations in Naperville, Oakbrook, Schaumburg, Skokie, and the original Maggiano's Little Italy in downtown Chicago, the Vernon Hills opening brings the total number of people employed by Maggiano's in the Chicago metropolitan area to more than 900.
On any given night, guests will see Chef Alvarado serving up a diverse array of signature pastas and baked specialties like Maggiano's Famous Rigatoni "D" as well as rotating seasonal dishes. The kitchen is also one of the first to offer the brand's new Lighter Take menu which has new preparations of classic dishes including Chicken Parmesan and Fettuccine Alfredo, delivering the same flavors and generous portions with at least one-third fewer calories.
Another menu feature Maggiano's brings to Vernon Hills is "On The House Classic Pasta," which sends guests who order one of eight handmade pastas home with a second Classic Pasta of their choice, compliments of the chef. Since launching this guest favorite in 2009, the brand has given away more than 11 million Classic Pastas, keeping true to the thriving spirit of generosity which originated in Little Italy neighborhoods where no guest went home without leftovers in their hands.
Wine enthusiasts will enjoy pairing authentic Italian-American dishes with varietals they cherish or newly discovered favorites from a selection of more than 50 acclaimed wines including Salute Amico, in an exclusive partnership with world-renowned Ruffino winery. Maggiano's hospitable teammates can also recommend a premium twist on classic, handcrafted cocktails like The Perfect G+T and signature Elderflower Collins.
"We are excited to invite our friends and neighbors into Maggiano's to enjoy classic Italian-American food made with care and served in an atmosphere reminiscent of authentic Little Italy," says Darnell. "Our talented teammates bring established traditions of generosity and making people feel special to the communities we serve, and whether guests are looking to celebrate a special occasion with us or just let our chefs do the cooking on a weeknight, Maggiano's at Westfield Hawthorn will deliver a memorable dining experience."
Maggiano's was established by renowned restaurateur Richard Melman in downtown Chicago in 1991.
