Braconi's Restaurant In Danger Of Closing For Good, Owners Say

NAPERVILLE, IL — Another beloved Naperville establishment may soon be closing its doors due to the coronavirus pandemic. In an open letter to patrons, Braconi's Restaurant and Pizzeria announced Friday that pandemic-related challenges and the "current labor shortage" have led them to decide they may have to close "soon."

Owners Bill and Vilma Paus wrote in the letter that the year had been a "challenging" one for "everyone." They added that they enjoyed seeing customers again after coronavirus restrictions loosened at the start of summer.

"We are grateful for the blessings that allowed us all to make it through the past 17 months and
are thankful that everyone can look forward to future gatherings with family and friends," the Paus family wrote.

Acknowledging that they have "made every effort to overcome the challenges of the pandemic and current labor shortage," the owners said those efforts "may not ultimately be successful."

They went on to thank their customers, saying,"You have all been part of our 'family' and helped create wonderful memories that will last us for a lifetime."

Braconi's Restaurant and Pizzeria serves up stuffed and pan-style pizza, traditional Italian entrées, salads and heaping sandwiches.

The announcement from Braconi's comes on the heels of news that Dog Patch Pet and Feed will close Aug. 31 after nearly 50 years in Naperville.

Patch will speak with Bill Paus Monday to learn more about the family's current challenges and plans for the future.