Badda Bing's 'Not Your Typical Fast Food Place'

During a recent Wednesday night, a customer came into Badda Bing's Italian Beef & Sausage and gave the manager a big hug. But that's nothing new—the New Lenox restaurant prides itself on one-on-one attention to its regulars.

Tucked in the Calistoga Plaza off Laraway Road, Badda Bing's is a popular lunch spot for the workers who come to the nearby industrial areas off Gougar and Schoolhouse roads every day.

"We’ve had our ups and downs here, but we’ve stuck it out by catering to our regulars," manage Michelle Abbatemarco said. "They’re the ones who have helped us through the economy."

Abbatemarco, an Orland Park resident, knows about sticking out the rough economy. After she was laid off from her merchandising job two years ago, Badda Bing’s owner Tom Bennett, of Mokena, reached out and gave her the job. She’s enjoyed the career change.

“It’s definitely the people, the personalities,” she said. “They’re very fascinating people,” she said. “We always give them special attention and get to know them by their first name.”

Abbatemarco said the nights have been slower lately, in part because of the economy that kept the south part of town from building up. The primary customer base of construction workers also makes lunch popular but not dinner, so the manager wants to find new ways to promote the restaurant.

One thing Badda Bing’s does is a VIP card for regulars that gives them a 10 percent discount. Abbatemarco said she appreciates being able to offer affordable food. Badda Bing's serves a lot of things you’d find at a Wendy’s or McDonald’s—burgers, fries and the like.

But there are a lot of differences, and the customer appreciation is a focus. Food isn't made to order, either. Badda Bing's specialties include Italian beef and sausage, but it also serves paninis and gyros.

“We’re not your typical fast food place,” Abbatemarco said.