GENEVA – Jim Nicolaou has been in the restaurant business his whole life, so it would stand to reason that one day he would have his own.
Nicolaou recently opened Riganato Old World Grille at 700 E. State St. in Geneva. The restaurant features a European-Mediterranean style of cuisine.
“It’s not a Greek restaurant – though I’m Greek; it’s got some Greek and some Italian influence,” Nicolaou, 36, said. “I do specials with a Spanish influence or North African influence.”
Riganato means “made of oregano” in Greek.
“We make pizza, pastas, meatballs, paninis, shish kabobs,” Nicolaou said. “My Riganato chicken is my Yia Yia’s [Grandmother’s] – who is Greek – it’s her recipe. It’s made with fresh squeezed lemon, virgin olive oil, fresh garlic and Greek oregano and slow roasted until it falls off the bone.
“I love food and taking care of guests whether at my house or business. I actually have a college degree in archeology, but food has always been my passion. I love seeing people’s delight on their face when they eat my food.”
Ellen Divita, Geneva economic development director, said the Rib House – which formerly occupied the Riganato’s site – was closed by the time she started working at the city in January 2008.
“The new restaurant is wonderful,” Divita said. “I’ve eaten there several times. It has wonderful salads, spreads and a neat mix of appetizers.”
Divita said Nicolaou and his father did a total renovation of the building.
“They gutted it. People don’t recognize it,” Divita said. “I think it’s going to be a real nice addition to the east side. I hope people will give it a try.”
A Lombard resident, Nicolaou said he chose Geneva for his first restaurant by accident.
“I come out to Geneva a lot, and I happened to see the building for sale by owner,” Nicolaou said. “I looked into the price and the neighborhood. I liked the town. It just had a good aura.”
He found the neighborhoods to be nice and the city staff friendly and helpful.
The building seats 50 inside and 20 outside on a patio. The restaurant does not have a bar, but it has a liquor license, so customers can have drinks with their dinners.
It will be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, and it does carryouts and catering. Information is available at www.riganato.com or by calling 331-248-0191.