‘Every detail matters’: The joy of sharing a meal is key for owners of Gia Mia, Livia, moto imōto

Bringing people together through food and atmosphere is the goal behind each of BG Hospitality Group’s restaurants.

“Whether it’s a rustic Italian trattoria, a sleek Pan-Asian lounge or a vibrant wood-fired kitchen, we create places that feel familiar yet exciting — places people want to return to,” said chef Mike Bomberger. “Much of that inspiration comes from my travels, my family and the deep relationships we’ve built within each community we serve.”

Many of the restaurants under BG Hospitality Group are Italian-inspired, rooted in simplicity, quality ingredients and the joy of sharing a meal.

“Italian cuisine is timeless. What I love about it is how versatile and emotional it can be,” Bomberger said. “Though they share a culinary heritage, each restaurant has its own identity shaped by location, menu and guest experience.”

Gia Mia, with seven locations including Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Geneva, Lombard, Naperville, St. Charles and Wheaton, is known for its wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas. Fresh mozzarella made in-house, handcrafted small plates, chef-curated pastas and salads round out the menu.

“With a focus on approachable sophistication, Gia Mia is a go-to destination for everything from a casual or business lunch to a memorable date night or special evening out with family,” Bomberger said. “Whether you’re celebrating or just craving something delicious, Gia Mia delivers big flavor in a warm, social setting.”

Livia Italian Eatery in Geneva blends comfort with elegance for brunch, date nights or dinner with friends. Livia serves house-made pastas, such as the Pasta Livia with garganelli pasta, roasted red pepper, Parmesan cream chicken, basil, mushrooms and spinach, as well as hand-cut steaks and New Zealand lamb chops.

The signature Roman-style pizza at Ella’s Italian Pub — with three locations including Elmhurst, Geneva and Western Springs — is handcrafted using a 72-hour fermentation process and a double-bake method that delivers a light, crispy crust. The house pizza features extra-virgin olive oil, fine herbs, garlic, a house blend of cheeses, house-made mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, zucchini, hot honey and lemon oil.

“With a playful pub-inspired menu, Ella’s brings modern Italian flavor into a fun, welcoming setting, perfect for families, date nights and casual hangouts,” Bomberger said.

For a cozy dinner or a relaxed night out, consider Fire+Wine. With locations in Glen Ellyn and Park Ridge and a third planned for next year in St. Charles, Fire+Wine is where wood-fired cooking meets elevated comfort. The open kitchen adds energy to the warm, intimate space.

Signature pizzas and handcrafted pastas are highlights, along with globally inspired dishes such as Harry’s Beef Carpaccio “just like in Venice, Italy,” and Scottish salmon served with spinach, fingerling potatoes and capers in a lemon butter sauce and 10-year balsamic. The menu pairs bold, approachable flavors with a curated wine list and inventive cocktails.

When diners want something different, moto imōto in St. Charles offers Pan-Asian cuisine. Drawing from Japanese, Thai, Korean and Chinese influences, the menu features signature and classic rolls, poke bowls and Korean fried chicken.

“moto imōto was our opportunity to create something bold and unexpected — a modern Pan-Asian concept that reflects the balance, intensity and artistry of Asian cuisines,” Bomberger said. “The idea was to create a place where the food is exciting, the drinks are inventive, and the vibe is unlike anything else in the area.

“From the moment someone walks in the door to the final bite, every detail matters — the ambiance, the service, the plating, the lighting, the energy,” Bomberger said.

To achieve that level of service, Bomberger is hands-on — from training the team to getting to know guests to tasting and tweaking every menu.

“People come back not just for the food, but because they feel something when they’re with us,” he said.

Dedicated to being an active part of the communities they serve, BG Hospitality Group has built partnerships with organizations including CASA Kane County, Cal’s Angels, LivingWell Cancer Resource Center, Project Mobility and Tuskegee NEXT Foundation.

“Many of our partnerships have grown naturally over the years, often sparked by a conversation with a guest or a cause introduced by a team member,” Bomberger said.

BG Hospitality Group also works with local nonprofits and schools, from hosting dining nights where a percentage of sales goes back to the organization to donating gift cards, dinner packages and special experiences for silent auctions and fundraising events. In addition, educators receive a 10% discount year-round.

“These relationships are rooted in respect and shared values, and we’re honored to be part of the good work happening around us,” Bomberger said.