New eateries, overnight suites nearing completion at Arcada Theatre
People dropping by the Arcada Theatre building in downtown St. Charles in the coming weeks will not only be able to hear some live music, they also will be able to dine at the venue's two new restaurants and stay overnight at The Arcadian Suites.
Or they could dance the night away at Studio 64, a new club in the Arcada Theatre building.
The improvements are part of a major renovation project that is nearing completion in the building that houses the historic theater and its sister operation, Club Arcada.
The two new restaurants - Rock 'N Za and Rock 'N Ravioli - are expected to open in the next few weeks.
"Rock 'N Ravioli will open in the next six to eight weeks and Rock 'N Za will open in the next two weeks," said Ron Onesti, president and founder of Onesti Entertainment, which operates the Arcada Theatre and Club Arcada along with the other ventures including the Des Plaines Theatre.
Rock 'N Za restaurant will feature wood-fired pizza, salads, Chicago-style hot dogs and other fare, while Rock 'N Ravioli will offer some of Onesti's homemade recipes, including chicken Vesuvio ravioli and braised beef ravioli.
As Onesti noted, Studio 64 is a reference to the former disco Studio 54 nightclub in New York City. It is located in the space that previously served as the building's VIP lounge.
"Since we're on Route 64, we're calling it Studio 64," he said. "It will probably open as a dance club in the next four weeks. We're doing special events there right now."
He thinks the dance club will prove to be popular.
"I think St. Charles and the area could use that," Onesti said. "People love to dance. We're just expanding on the dance aspect."
The Arcadian Suites will contain 11 suites, each with a musical theme.
"It's my increased commitment to provide one-of-a-kind experiences," Onesti said.
He had hoped the renovation would have been completed a few months ago. But supply chain problems and labor shortages have delayed the project's completion.
"It's been a challenge," Onesti said. "We've had trouble getting the materials to finish the projects. We've also had labor problems - finding people to be severs, busboys and dishwashers. Hopefully in the next 120 days we'll have all the restaurants and the hotel open."
The Arcade Theatre and the Club Arcada were able to reopen last year after being closed more than a year because of the pandemic. He noted people are even more enthusiastic these days about hearing live music.
"People who are coming to the shows are appreciating live music in a way they never have," Onesti said. "People are more emotional and passionate about live music than ever."