Garibaldi's marks two years in Carpentersville with party weekend
In just one year in business along the Randall Road corridor, Garibaldi's restaurant has fast become a favorite of locals.
And as the business embarks upon its second year of serving pizza, homemade pasta and gourmet salads, the owners are reaching out to area residents, thanking them for their business over the past 12 months.
"I can't emphasize enough how appreciative we are to our loyal customers and our new customers that we're developing," owner Stephen Carlson said.
"We've become this little niche on Randall Road where families can come in and enjoy a good meal at a great place, and they don't have to worry about things like gratuities."
To thank their loyal customers, and to celebrate the first year in business in Carpentersville, Garibaldi's is hosting a weekend celebration beginning Friday.
There will be a clown on hand, making balloons and organizing games for the younger customers.
There also will be giveaways, as the restaurant raffles off different items such as T-shirts and hats, and serves pieces of anniversary cake.
Carlson said they'll also be asking their customers for something -- to smile for a picture.
They're hoping to make a collage of pictures on a wall, showing the new customers who have tried Garibaldi's for the first time in the past year, and the loyal customers who have been with Garibaldi's restaurants since they first opened 31 years ago in Hoffman Estates.
"We're just going to make it a fun weekend for everybody," Carlson said.
"It's just a little giving back to the customers for the great support we've had this first year. It's been above our wildest expectations."
To keep those loyal customers and add new ones, this winter Garibaldi's will be starting new specials on pizzas each night of the week, Carlson said.
They'll also be tinkering with their lunch menu a little bit, trying to draw in a bigger crowd.
And while they've already been involved with the schools, they want to do more with the community -- including more involvement with schools, as well as churches and community organizations.
"We've had a great year, and we're happy to be a part of this area. We're just hoping to add to it in the next year."
It's coming: Yes, Christmas is coming. And to help you prepare, Platt Hill Nursery will have its annual Holiday Open House from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday. Stop in any time during those hours to get decorating ideas and tips.
It's going: You may have seen the guys out there, holding signs up along Randall Road advertising the shop's demise.
Bombay is leaving Algonquin Commons, and as it leaves, it's slashing prices on its furniture and decorative accessories, and offering closeout items.
• Amy Williams' column covers all the news of business along the Randall Road corridor from South Elgin to Crystal Lake. Contact her at randallbiz@comcast.net or at (847) 894-5036.