Plans for new Italian restaurant on St. Charles' west side move forward

ST. CHARLES – St. Charles aldermen have approved a liquor license application for a new Italian restaurant being planned on the city's west side.

At Monday's St. Charles City Council meeting, aldermen also approved a 2 a.m. late night permit for Paradiso Restaurant and Bar at 2049-2051 Lincoln Highway (Route 38) in the Tri City shopping center.

Owners Izabela Accetta and her husband, Salvatore, have 11 years of business experience with the establishments they owned and operated in Italy, St. Charles Police Chief James Keegan told aldermen. The space formerly housed Time Out Sports Pub and Grill and Sportsters Pub.

"The concept of our restaurant is to serve authentic Italian food, pizza, appetizers, etc.," stated the couple's business plan.

The menu would include antipasti, seafood risotto, squid ink fettuccine, salads and desserts such as tiramisu and goat cheese cheesecake. As proposed, the restaurant would be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. After the restaurant closes at 10 p.m., the bar would stay open until 2 a.m. selling finger foods only.

During the holidays, the owners are considering staying open seven days a week. Plans are to have live music and DJs on the weekends.

Outdoor seating would be added, according to the restaurant's business plan.