Lucca's Pizzeria and Rinstorante expands to accommodate customers

LA GRANGE – With two green awnings decorating its store front, a family-owned Italian restaurant has nestled itself between businesses in downtown La Grange for almost 13 years.

Now, Lucca’s Pizzeria and Ristorante – at 108 W. Burlington Ave. – is undergoing an expansion to hopefully bring in new customers and add space for large events, according to Ken Heimke, who co-owns the business with his wife, Kim Heimke.

“On the weekends, we have a hard time seating large groups or families,” Heimke said. “[Expanding] will enable us to accommodate more people and be more of a benefit to the community.”

After the project is complete, the restaurant – which seats about 30 customers at the moment – will have about 75 seats inside, 20 to 40 outdoor seats and a party room that holds 30 seats.

Along with the additional space for seating, the expansion will also bring a full service bar to the restaurant, according to Heimke. He said Lucca’s will also stay open later for folks who are interested in an after dinner cocktail.

“It’s gong to bring us more exposure from more people,” Heimke said.

The restaurant is also hoping to see more corporate luncheons and private parties, according to Heimke. He said construction for the restaurant’s expansion began April 1 and is set to be completed by July 1.

With the restaurant’s loyal group of customers, Heimke said the community has been really supportive.

“I’m hoping to hear that the customers like the new space and that it carries on with the same theme,” Heimke said. “We want to keep it as similar as possible with the quaint feeling, but upgraded a bit.”