A Villa Park homecoming for Salerno’s restaurant

For Andrew Salerno, the opening of the new Salerno-Pincente Ristorante in Villa Park is a homecoming of sorts.

“We used to be in Villa Park on St. Charles Road,” he said. “We had a carryout — and for a little place, we did wonderful there. People still remember us, and are looking forward to us coming back.”

The family owned business at 105 E. North Ave. will be serving its signature pizza, along with homemade pasta and other Italian specialties. All the food is prepared just like in “the old days,” Salerno said.

But the new restaurant, which he co-owns with Frank Pincente, is far more ambitious than the company’s first foray into Villa Park.

In addition to the 120-seat dining room, there’s a small banquet room seating 40, a larger banquet room seating up to 80 and additional outdoor seating at a patio with a brick fireplace.

Upscale touches include the decorative glass-fronted wine bar and rich woods throughout.

“It’s gorgeous,” said Villa Park Village President Tom Cullerton. “It’s staggering how nice it is inside.”

The Salerno family started its business in 1966 in Berwyn. It was just a bar until Andrew Salerno’s grandmother decided to make a pizza because she thought the guys at the bar really should eat.

“And that’s how we became known for our pizza,” Salerno said.

Despite the tough economy, he’s optimistic about coming back to Villa Park.

“I think we’re going to do very well here,” he said.