Luigi Paisan's Pizzeria Redevelopment Agreement Approved by Berwyn City Council

BERWYN, Ill., June 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- At the May 11, 2010 City Council meeting, the Berwyn City Council unanimously approved a redevelopment agreement for Luigi Paisan's Pizzeria. Paisan's Pizzeria plans to locate in Berwyn along Ogden Avenue (Historic Route 66). Paisan's, which has locations in Brookfield and Cicero, plans to redevelop the building at 6226 Ogden Ave and convert the former warehouse into their main operation to serve the western suburbs with the possibility of rolling out multiple retail stores throughout the metro Chicago area. Owner Pete Fejzuloski plans on moving his Cicero operation to this much larger location in order to expand and include a consolidated delivery call center, banquet rooms, main kitchen, and manufacturing/storage area for his products; therefore, the concept would serve as the corporate headquarters and central nerve center for larger operations.

"The City is proud of its Route 66 heritage along Ogden Avenue and I am happy that the new restaurant will not just be acknowledging our history but also embracing it," said Mayor Robert J. Lovero. The inside of Paisan's Pizzeria will be eclectic in nature as it will have both new and used cars on display in addition to offering a great family atmosphere.

Fejzuloski said, "When I was thinking about opening a new location I knew I wanted to do things a little differently, I wanted to do something special, create a destination. After meeting with the City of Berwyn and seeing that they embraced my ambitious idea I knew this is where I wanted to be."

The building that Paisan's is purchasing was formerly a warehouse. In addition to the warehouse, Fejzuloski will be purchasing the adjacent parking lot. "This family restaurant with a throwback Rt. 66 theme is a great addition to Ogden Avenue. We are excited to see this tremendous vision move from the planning stage to construction," said resident and 2nd Ward Alderman Jeff Boyajian.

As part of the partnership, the City of Berwyn will utilize TIF funds to assist with the build out costs associated with converting the warehouse into a restaurant. The restaurant will seat 250 customers and employ between 30 and 40 people. Anthony Griffin, the Executive Director for the Berwyn Development Corporation commented, "the complexity of financing this transaction shows the pro business atmosphere that exists in Berwyn along with the expertise at the Berwyn Development Corporation."

Additional information on the development can be obtained through the Berwyn Development Corporation at (708) 788-8100. View approved exterior and interior architectural renderings.

The BERWYN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (BDC) is a public-private partnership with the City of Berwyn that provides economic development and Chamber of Commerce services to all segments of the Berwyn community. The BDC focuses its efforts on those activities that will improve the overall climate for local businesses and residents, in addition to encouraging the development of new commercial venues and employment opportunities. The BDC continually strives to develop new programs, services and events that promote Berwyn businesses and the community. The BDC is a not-for-profit membership organization that serves over 300 business and individual members.

SOURCE Berwyn Development Corporation