WEST RIDGE — Longtime North Side chef Tony Barbanente wants to give his customers free entrees in exchange for a "Happy Anniversary" as his family's restaurant Via Veneto celebrates its 29th year.
Beginning June 8, Barbanente said he will trade complimentary pasta dishes at its 6349 N. Lincoln Ave. location to groups of six or fewer customers who come Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and say the congratulatory phrase.
"This is what we're doing for a week, just giving back appreciation to customers that have given us business for 29 years," Barbanente said.
Originally from Mola di Bari in southeastern Italy, Barbanente said his family has been known to cook for decades.
For him, it was always a calling.
"You're born, then you feel a passion evolve," he said. "There's something inside of you that says, 'This is what I really enjoy doing.'"
Chef Tony Barbanente stands by a map of Italy, where he lived as a boy. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]
When he was 12, his family moved to Chicago's North Side where they opened a restaurant. He began working as a busboy alongside his parents and siblings, some of whom still work with Barbanente today.
As he grew older, he married and had kids, and in 1987 opened his very own Italian eatery, Via Veneto, at its original 3449 W. Peterson Ave. location with only six tables.
After 13 years on Peterson, Barbanente moved to the now well-established North Lincoln Avenue spot where customers have become "like family" to him.
Fresh mint leaves sit in a cup at Via Veneto's bar. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]
He's still incorporating his grandmother's unique family recipes into his own dishes — a way to give patrons "dishes that no other restaurant does."
Now, with nearly three decades under their belt, the Barbanente family is looking to draw in new customers. He said over the years many longtime, loyal customers have passed away, at times making it difficult for his business.
"It feels great, we've had some customers who've come in since day one," he said. "But now we have to get newer, younger blood. It does affect the business a little bit, it's totally different. But we don't give up, and you have to love what you do — and I do."
On Thursday, a group of about 20 people solemnly filed in after one loyal customer's funeral. Barbanente hugged and held the hand of the customer's wife as he offered his condolences.
Still, Barbanente said he's grateful for all the love and support the neighborhood has shown over the years and hopes fresh customers will become part of his family's culinary traditions.
"We put a lot of love in the restaurant, it's not just a job. We treat them like a family, like a home."
Via Veneto has been Chef Tony Barbanente's dream for the past 29 years and wants to thank customers by giving away free pasta dishes, he said. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]
The building's facade at 6340 N. Lincoln Ave. [DNAinfo/Linze Rice]
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