It IS always sunny in New Buffalo, but this time, it’s spelled S-o-n-n-y. Sonny D’s, a brand new restaurant that will feature fresh, delicious, quality foods, is on track to open at 1 N. Whittaker Street this summer.
In the center of New Buffalo, on the corner of US 12 and Whittaker Streets, the recently purchased and renovated 15,000+ square foot building is sneakily part of locals and travelers daily routines. Whether you’ve noticed current tenants (HomeTown Pharmacy and Berkshire Hathaway) while stopped at the light, walked past the remodeled exterior on your way to grab a coffee, or used it as a beacon while giving directions, we have all been waiting eagerly for the announcement of the new business.
“Food runs deep with us,” says Frank Ruffolo, owner of Sonny D’s. “My grandfather, Santo (Sonny) Damico, was a produce merchant at South Water street in Chicago, way back when. My dad started his own hot dog cart, and now our family owns four restaurants in the Chicago area. This restaurant is us going back to the basics.”
Sonny D’s is the newest addition to Franco’s Restaurant Group, and they are excited to set up shop at exit one. This family friendly restaurant, with beautiful furnishings and huge windows that pop open for a taste of dining alfresco, has the capacity to seat 225 people on the main level, fifty to sixty people on the porch, and a private twenty-person event room. The basement, which once housed ‘Scotty’s’, will serve as a live music venue, bar, and event space.
“We want to do the restaurant really well first, but the basement bar will open eventually,” says Frank. “Bachelor and bachelorette parties, karaoke, community events– it’s going to be great. The downstairs bar space will be able to serve 120 – 150 additional patrons. We built this space over the last year/year and a half to serve the masses. During summer and the off season.”
With plans to be open year-round, Sonny D’s wants to become a part of your routine. Known for their breakfast and Italian food, Frank says they’re still fine-tuning the menu, but is excited about what they are going to bring to New Buffalo. The restaurant will open at 11 a.m daily, and will be open roughly until 9 p.m on weekdays. Weekend hours during peak season will certainly be extended if (when) necessary.
“We used to vacation here when I was a kid, and we always wanted to become a deeper part of this tight-knit community,” Frank says. “We aren’t just some out-of-towners; we want to be your neighbors, a part of this town.”
Sonny D’s “won’t skimp on quality to cut costs”, and is consistent in quality and variety. The new staff is currently being trained, and finishing touches will be completed in a few weeks. The restaurant plans to open in early June, with a grand opening not far behind.
“People keep saying our name, Sonny D’s, kind of fits with the location, New Buffalo being a ‘sunny’ beach town, but it’s much more than that,” says Frank. “There’s history and love behind it.”
Be sure to follow Sonny D’s on social media for announcements about their opening day. Welcome to New Buffalo!
By Jocelyne Tuszynski, MOTM Contributor
