Des Plaines awards Giuseppe's $15,000 for restaurant upgrades

Giuseppe's, a longtime staple of Des Plaines dining, will receive $15,000 from the city to renovate its new location.

The city awarded the Italian restaurant the grant through the business assistance program, which provides money for business owners seeking to make building improvements.

In January, Giuseppe's closed its previous location at 1062 Lee St. with plans to reopen at another location.

That new location is inside a shopping plaza at 554 E. Algonquin Road. The restaurant plans to open by late May or early June.

Previously called Giuseppe's Lacantina, the new concept will offer takeout, delivery and catering of the original restaurant's recipes.

Owner Salvatore Demma Jr. said he is completing about $100,000 in construction costs and buying about $45,000 in equipment. Of that amount, about $76,200 is for interior improvements eligible under the grant program, including flooring, kitchen hood installation, new walls and doors, and electrical upgrades.

The maximum amount a business owner can receive for this type of grant is $15,000.

Third Ward Alderman Denise Rodd, whose ward includes the restaurant, said the restaurant is highly anticipated.

"The biggest question I'm getting from my constituents is 'When is Giuseppe's opening?'" she said.