Springfield, Missouri – The successful Branson restaurant, Florentina’s Ristorante Italiano, is set to open a Springfield location in the Battlefield Marketplace on Monday, January 21.
The Branson location, opened in March of 2010, was developed with the assistance of Chef Ron Kaleniuk, better known in Branson as Chef K. Chef K is a popular and well renowned Executive Chef and cookbook author. Florentina’s 2010 opening in Branson brought unique and first class Italian cuisine to the town.
“Though we had a number of chain Italian restaurants, Branson was lacking something special,” says Randy Brashers, President of Branson Restaurants Inc., operators of the Branson Florentina’s location. “Not only was our concept singular to Branson at the time, but also, truly exceptional Italian dining.”
Well-known Springfield restaurateur, Steve Heil, took interest in the up and coming Branson sensation this past year.
“I was involved in one of the first taste tastings of the menu when Florentina’s opened in 2010 and fell in love with Chef K’s creations that day,” says Heil. “Since, I have followed Florentina’s successes very closely and really feel that it’s a concept that Springfield is looking for.”
Florentina’s Italian Ristorante will open it’s doors in Springfield serving lunch and dinner featuring a number of uncommon specialties including daily made-from-scratch, fresh baked bread; authentic brick oven pizzas with fine dining combinations like Italian sausage with sliced apples and candied walnuts; and an extensive wine list.
“It’s a perfect mix,” says Heil. “Our atmosphere is intimate and upscale Italian, but still well-suited to families. We have traditional favorites like spaghetti and meatballs, but also unusual creations like Salmon Trattoria and Rigatoni Florentina. And though everything is made from scratch with five-star ingredients and preparations, it’s priced no more costly than a large-scale Italian chain.”
Grand opening celebrations will begin later in the week, after a ribbon cutting on Thursday, January 24.
For more information about Florentina’s Ristorante Italiano in Springfield, call 417-883-5678 or go online at www.florentinasristoranteitaliano.com.
