Dupage Policy Journal

Italian Pizza Kitchen co-owner Rose Scianna said the restaurant will be defying Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s orders to close the restaurant’s dining room starting Friday.

"This is our livelihood,” Scianna told DuPage Policy Journal. “We are not trying to put up a fight for the police if they come and fine us.”  

Italian Pizza Kitchen began 15 years ago as a catering service Scianna started with her brother Terry. Three years ago the pair opened the Roselle location. 

“We are just fighting to stay open,” she said. “There are businesses across the street shutting their doors down for good now.”  

Scianna said the restaurant hopes to keep all of its 66 workers employed. 

“We are a team at Italian Pizza Kitchen,” she said. “To be able to provide a job and to be able to keep our doors open, we wouldn’t be able to do it without our employees.”

Scianna said the restaurant employees are on board with staying open. 

“Respectfully, we called up every single one of our employees to see who was OK with it and who wasn’t,” she said. ”They were all so supportive.” 

The restaurant announced its intentions to defy Prtizker’s order on Wednesday night. 

“Italian Pizza Kitchen will stay OPEN!” the restaurant said on its Facebook page. “We Will NOT allow a dictator to force us to abandon our customers, friends and family yet again. No one will tell us we can’t live our American Dream!! 

“We will stand up for our rights and freedoms. Our family is proud of our decision. We respect those who choose to stay home but hope you continue to support us! We are here for you!”

Ki’s Steak and Seafood Restaurant has announced that it will remain open as well.   

In Kane County, the Elgin Public House has also announced it is not closing its doors. 

DuPage Sheriff Eric Mendrick said his office will not be enforcing Prtizker’s mandates.   

The Bar/Restaurants of DuPage Facebook group is holding an event on the legality of the lockdown. The event is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 23 at 2 p.m.