Villa Verone Closes Elgin Restaurant to Concentrate on Geneva

The owner of Villa Verone says on Facebook that he's closing the downtown Elgin restaurant in order to concentrate his efforts on the Geneva restaurant of the same name.

"After much thought and consideration, we are closing our Elgin location," Pietro Verone said. "It's not an easy thing to write, but what is going to be even harder is saying goodbye. So let's not say that word. Thank you for everything. You made us feel like we were part of a real community.

"Even though we will continue to support downtown Elgin, we will miss what we had through the restaurant. Thank you for the support, affection and friendship you have given us for the last 5 1/2 years. Love you all!"

The Facebook message is signed, "Your friends Pietro and Willy."

Fans of the restaurant also expressed their sadness at its Elgin ending.

"Thank you Pietro Verone and Willy Mathias for all you have done for Elgin," Rich Jacobs  wrote. "We are so sad that Villa Verone has closed. You both were stand up gentlemen and generous businessmen. You will be missed."

James McGrath posted to Pietro Verone: "Never have I seen a business that was willing to lend their establishment time and time again to the community for their ventures to make money for their organizations ... once again Elgin has lost a top notch and wonderful establishment."

Villa Verone Ristorante Italiano is located at 416 Hamilton St. in Geneva.