Episode 276 with Franco Francese

We talk about how to run, take over and keep your restaurant relevant in the changing times and against the big guys.

Mattone Restaurant and Bar, co-owned by Franco and Vito Francese, recently unveiled updates to the menu and completed remodels to the inside that accentuate the signature brick oven. By the end of summer 2018, the restaurant will feature an outdoor patio. Franco recently appeared on WGN’s Midday News’ ‘Lunchbreak’, The Mancow Morning show on 97.9 The Loop and on Big John and Ramblin’ Ray on WLS-890 to talk about the exciting updates to the restaurant. He has also been featured in Pizza Today, Reader’s Digest, Restaurant Insider, and American Express OPEN.

The restaurant’s name is Italian for “brick”, which has become the theme for the new look. While wood-fired ovens are common these days, there is a twist with what Mattone is doing that makes them unique. Mattone offers three new wood-fired sandwiches with a delicious roll that is made from scratch. The oven is located at the front of the restaurant, and patrons can watch their sandwich be made at the time of order. The sandwich is created and fired to perfection, fresh from the oven.

Their signature, wood-fired Italian rolls were discovered by accident when testing out their rustic, brick wood-fired oven. The roll is made from their signature dough, that is made in-house, which is the same dough that they use for their pizza. They also feature a new wood-fired sandwich of the month and recently rolled out their Italian take on the Canadian Poutine – garlic fries smothered in mozzarella cheese and homemade Bolognese sauce. Their menu offers Italian cuisine with a few select American cuisine favorites, including: burgers, sandwiches, and BBQ ribs, a longtime Mattone favorite.

Aside from providing delicious menu options, Mattone contributes to the community by sponsoring La Grange Park Little League, organizing fundraisers for the Nazareth Father’s Club, and donating to St. Joseph’s sports programs, York Hockey Club, Divine Providence Church, and Ogden Avenue School’s pizza day, to name a few. Mattone is also a member of La Grange, La Grange Park, and Westchester’s Chamber of Commerce.

The restaurant has a long family history, as it was originally owned by Franco’s father, Domenico Francese. Franco now uses the knowledge he learned from his father to bring the best cuisine possible to the community.

Mattone is located at 9 E. 31st St, La Grange Park, IL 60526. For more information or to schedule an interview with Franco Francese, please reach out to the press contact above.

www.mattonerestaurant.com
www.facebook.com/MattoneRestaurant
www.instagram.com/mattonerest