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Freeport’s Cimino’s opens first ‘Cabreeze’ in Illinois

 

Cimino's Little Italy
JEREMY SHARP/THE JOURNAL-STANDARD

Staff from Cimino’s Little Italy and city leaders join in a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, Aug. 14, 2014, in the restaurant’s new glass atrium expansion.

By Jeremy Sharp
The Journal-Standard
Posted Aug. 14, 2014 @ 4:05 pm
Updated Aug 14, 2014 at 5:02 PM

FREEPORT — Cimino’s Little Italy’s newest dining area — an 840-square-foot glass atrium — is officially open for business.

The atrium, which design company Cabrio Structures calls a Cabreeze, is the first such structure of its kind in Illinois, according to the Wisconsin-based Cabrio. The company said there are 20 Cabreeze structures throughout the U.S.

Today, Cimino’s, 421 Challenge St., celebrated the $100,000 addition with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Dozens showed up to see the new atrium which can seat 80.

“That’s what I wanted to do — bring some excitement to the air,” said Sam Cimino, restaurant manager. “Sometimes people forget Cimino’s is out here, but this is what I wanted to say — ‘Hey, don’t forget about us’ — and just bring something new to Freeport.”

The expansion will serve as a banquet room to accommodate parties, wedding receptions and larger dining crowds.

It will soon feature heating and air conditioning for when weather doesn’t permit the roof and walls to be open. The restaurant plans to utilize the area year-round. Cimino’s bar extends from the restaurant’s main building into the new room, which also opens to an outdoor seating area.

Jeremy Sharp: 815-232-0133; jeremy.sharp@journalstandard.com;@jeremysharpie

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