LAKEVIEW — Construction is plugging along on the new Home Run Inn in the former Leona's, but small delays have pushed back the opening day to late September or early October.
Back in March, Home Run Inn group president Dan Costello said the older building needed a lot of structural changes, which delayed the spring opening to mid-July. Last week, Costello told DNAinfo Chicago the construction should be complete in September.
"Once we take possession [from the contractor], we just need a couple weeks for hiring and training. We're hopeful it'll [open] at the end of September, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's October," Costello said.
Two fires on the property in June and August did not affect the pizzeria's timeline, Costello said. The blog Crime in Wrigleyville + Boystown reported on the Aug. 8 Dumpster fire and June 6 porch fire.
Home Run Inn prides itself on using a cherished family recipe and fresh ingredients. While the restaurant has several South Side locations, the Lakeview spot would be the first north of downtown.
The Sheffield Avenue building formerly housed the original Leona's Restaurant, which was renamed Lina's after the owner sold the chain but retained the Sheffield Avenue restaurant in November 2013. Lina's then closed last year.
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