Lou Malnati's Completes Renovation Of Buffalo Grove Restaurant

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — Lou Malnati's has completed a renovation of its Buffalo Grove restaurant, adding a large outdoor patio and updating the interior and exterior of a building that has served as a local gathering place for more than a century.

The restaurant, located at 85 S. Buffalo Grove Road, now includes an outdoor patio with seating for 124 guests, according to the company. Garage doors along the dining room wall connect the patio to the interior, creating an indoor-outdoor setup.

The exterior of the building was repainted from red to white as part of the renovation.

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Inside, the project reconfigured the layout while preserving original features from the building's past. The wall between the bar and dining room was removed to improve flow and create a more open space, and the dining room was updated with new lighting throughout.

The original wood bar from the Firnbach Tavern remains a centerpiece of the restaurant, according to the company.

The building dates to the 1890s, when it opened as the Firnbach Tavern. It later became Bill's Buffalo House before Lou Malnati's took over the site in 1989 as the company’s eighth location.

"This location has been part of the Buffalo Grove community for generations, and that history was important to carry forward," Julie Younglove-Webb, CEO of Lou Malnati's, said in a statement. "We preserved elements like the original bar while opening up the space and adding a patio that allows more people to gather and connect."

Other design elements also reflect the building’s history and role in the community. The Buffalo Bill sign remains on display, and the restaurant worked with the Raupp Museum to incorporate archival photos from the 1950s through the 1980s.

Photos displayed throughout the space also highlight decades of Lou Malnati's moments across the brand, reflecting the company’s connection to the community over time.

The existing trophy case and artwork reflect the Malnati family's connection to Chicago sports culture and the role game days play in bringing people together locally, according to the company.

The outdoor patio is now open. More information is available at loumalnatis.com.