Popular Casual Italian Chain Shuts Down Orland Park Location, Files for Bankruptcy

Nine towering layers of lasagna.Photo byBob B. Brown / CC BY 2.0 / Flickr

(CHICAGO) It was only last week when the popular Italian eatery, Buca di Beppo reduced its locations by 20% by closing 13 restaurants across the country. One of those locations was in the Chicago suburb of Orland Park, leaving only one Chicago restaurant remaining -- Yorktown Center in Lombard.

On Monday, the chain filed for bankruptcy with plans to restructure its 44 remaining locations and even open a new one.

"This is a strategic step towards a strong future for Buca di Beppo," Rich Saultz, President of Buca di Beppo said in a statement.

What is Buca di Beppo?

Buca di Beppo's "Pope Room" in IndianapolisPhoto byfreeflight046, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Buca di Beppo is known for its casual American-style Italian food and kitschy, over-the-top decor. According to Bon Appétit, founder Phil Roberts opened the first Buca di Beppo with the goal of creating a fun and comfortable environment. Roberts said the decor was designed to be " intentionally in bad taste, but good-natured bad taste.”

What do Italians think of Buca di Beppo?

A recent viral video on TikTok shows an Italian man eating at Buca di Beppo. While he seems to enjoy the bread dipped in olive oil and vinegar and the Ceasar Salad, he simply shakes his head at the lasagne and says the spaghetti is overcooked. However, the Chicken Parm does get his approval. As for the decor, well, you'll have to watch for his reaction.

What's Next for the Chain?

Photo bypatrick janicek / CC BY 2.0 / Flickr

The current locations will continue operating as usual. "Buca di Beppo has been a beloved gathering place for celebrations and memorable meals for many years," said Saultz, "and we are enthusiastic about entering this next phase of our brand's story."

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