New restaurant coming to downtown Arlington Heights
On Monday, the Arlington Heights village board unanimously approved plans for a new pizzeria in downtown Arlington Heights.
Mario and Rosa Longobardi, who live in Arlington Heights, opened Arenella's at 1510 E. Hintz Road in 1988. The couple moved their restaurant to Palatine in 2004, where they stayed until they lost their lease. Now the couple will open a version of Arenella's, called Mario's Trattoria & Pizzeria in the Metro Lofts building at 6 S. Dunton Ave. Brama Bread formerly occupied the spot.
They expect about 20 percent of their business to be carry out.
The store is about 1,000 square feet and has space for 49 seats. Besides a small bar, the Longobardis also want to install a wood-burning pizza oven. The couple said they will apply for a full liquor license next month.
The Longobardis want to open their restaurant by mid-May.
State champs: The Arlington Heights public works department team of water tappers won the state championship in March and are headed to nationals in San Diego in June.
The four-man team of Coach Terry Botterman, Dave Nordin, Mark Mock and Ryan Holthouse were honored at Monday's village board meeting along with their three-foot-tall trophy.
The Arlington Heights team edged out a team from Springfield with a time of one minute, 29 seconds.
The event is sponsored by the American Water Works Association.
Arlington holds bicycle swap: The 28th annual Arlington Bike Swap is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, at Centennial Park, 1209 Burr Oak Drive, Arlington Heights, adjacent to Riley School. The Arlington Heights Bicycle Club runs the event like a garage sale. People sell or purchase bicycles and bicycle related items. Sellers set their own prices. Items are accepted for sale between 7:30 a.m. and noon. Purchases can be made between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Fees are 10 percent of any sales. Items not sold are returned without charge, but must be picked up by 6 p.m. Bikes and equipment must be in good condition. There is a $10 minimum price for all items. All transaction are cash. Sellers and buyers must be at least 18 or accompanied by an adult.