Owner of New Clarendon Hills Pizza Place Hopes to Open Next Week

The vacant space that formerly housed The Hills Cafe & Pizza didn't sit empty for very long.

Less than two months after that restaurant's owners put the rights to the space, equipment, and furniture up for sale, the branding of a new restaurant, Mario's, is up in the window and an opening is planned before the end of July, according to owner Mario Suarez.

Suarez, a 55-year-old native of Mexico and first-time restaurant-owner, said he'll be ordering food this week and hopes to open by Tuesday. The menu will feature dishes like mostaccioli, linguine with clams, roasted chicken and shrimp scampi, along with pizza Suarez hopes will bring in business.

"We hope we can make good pizza for this town," said Suarez, a Brookfield father of three and grandfather of one.

The space at Prospect and Park has been vacant since The Hills Cafe & Pizza closed this spring after a brief six-month run following a delayed opening. 

READ: The Hills Cafe & Pizza Closes in Downtown Clarendon Hills

Suarez, who moved from Mexico 40 years ago, said a cousin of his knew one of the owners of The Hills, a relationship that eventually led to the restaurant's sale.

Though he's never opened his own restaurant, Suarez worked at William Tell in Countryside for 35 years, and was the executive chef for about 15 years before leaving in 2008.

"I've worked in the restaurant business all my life," he said.    

Mario's will serve beer and wine and offer delivery. Suarez said it will be a kid-friendly option for local families.

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