Gene & Georgetti to open July 6 in Rosemont
The new Gene & Georgetti restaurant is scheduled to open to the public July 6 in Rosemont, officials announced Tuesday.
The restaurant and event space now being renovated at 9421 W. Higgins Road will serve as the only other Gene & Georgetti location. The original location opened in Chicago's River North neighborhood in 1941, and today stands as the oldest family-owned steakhouse in the city.
Before opening, the new Rosemont restaurant will host a private grand opening celebration June 28. The 260-seat restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner Mondays through Saturdays, and dinner on Sundays. Officials said in a news release that the restaurant will be "inspired by the original Gene & Georgetti's classic atmosphere."
The Daily Herald reported last August that Gene & Georgetti's owners were evaluating the possibility of opening a second location once the 25-year-old Rosewood restaurant and banquet hall closed. Rosewood's last meal was served in January, upon the retirement of owner Jim Mandas. A month before, the Rosemont village board approved a 10-year lease deal with Gene & Georgetti for the building, which will be owned by the village.
Officials also announced Tuesday the appointment of Luis Quiroz as executive chef. Quiroz has spent 20 years in the cooking industry - the last nine as executive chef at Barrington Country Bistro, specializing in French cuisine.
The new location also includes a bar and adjoining outdoor patio. And attached to the restaurant will be a private events and wedding venue to be called "The Estate by Gene & Georgetti," featuring a 5,000-square-foot grand ballroom, room for seating 300, or 600 for standing receptions. The private event venue is an outgrowth of the wedding and event planning business of Michelle Durpetti, a third generation restaurant employee who will serve as marketing and special events manager. Her grandfather was Gene Michelotti, one of the restaurant's co-founders.
Also involved in the Rosemont expansion are Durpetti's parents Marion and Tony, who are the restaurant proprietors, and managing partner Richard Ciota, who will be general manager.