MOUNT DORA GAINS NEW CHICAGO-STYLE ITALIAN EATERY

UPDATE:  Soft opening now scheduled for Monday, April 16.

The Midwest just moved a little closer.  Chicago’s famous Italian restaurant chain, Rosati’s Pizza Pub, revered for its deep-dish pizzas and hot Italian beef sandwiches with au jus, will soon have its soft opening and a grand opening will follow later this month.

The current incarnation of Rosati’s started in 1964 in Chicago, but the family’s Italian restaurants can be traced back five generations to the 1890’s in New York.   Fast forward to today and the business has grown to two hundred locations nationwide.

In addition to the Chicago-style deep dish pizza, Rosati’s also offers thin crust, double-dough and gluten-free pizza options.  Chicken Parmesan, lasagna and other pasta dishes are served, as well as salads and hot sandwiches. Appetizers include fried dough nuggets with garlic butter,  fried ravioli and pizza bread.

---

The new Mount Dora franchise is owned and operated by a father and son team, Mike Dowell Sr. and Mike Dowell Jr.  This is the pair’s second restaurant; they opened their first Rosati’s in Apopka six months ago.

The restaurant, located at 18750 U.S. 441, has completely transformed the space previously occupied by Blackbear Smokehouse and Backwoods Smokehouse and Grill.   In addition to the aged brick reminiscent of Old Chicago, the interior boasts a tastefully arranged collection of sports memorabilia and 17 large screen TV’s.  The space also has an expansive full bar with a happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m., plus a separate room with two pool tables.    ​

For more local restaurant and business news, click here.   For other local events and news, follow Mount Dora Buzz on Facebook.  

​For more news in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, download the area's free mobile app. ​ Free subscriptions to the monthly issue of Mount Dora Buzz are available here.