Geneva Restaurant Celebrates 30 Years With Complimentary Buffet Dinner

Villa Verone in downtown Geneva is hosting a free community buffet to mark its 30th anniversary.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Villa Verone, an Italian restaurant in downtown Geneva, Illinois, is celebrating its 30th anniversary on Wednesday evening by hosting a complimentary buffet dinner open to the public from 6-9 p.m. The restaurant, owned by Pietro Verone, is known for its authentic Southern Italian cuisine and inviting patio dining.

Why it matters

Villa Verone has been a beloved local institution in Geneva for three decades, providing a gathering place for friends, families, and the community to enjoy great food and conversation. The restaurant's longevity in an era of high turnover for small businesses is a testament to its commitment to quality and customer service.

The details

The buffet dinner will be held at Villa Verone's location at 416 Hamilton St. in downtown Geneva. Reservations are not required for the special anniversary event, which is the restaurant's way of saying "thank you" to the community. Villa Verone is typically open from 3:30-8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, offering both dine-in and takeout options for its authentic Southern Italian cuisine.

  • Villa Verone is celebrating its 30th anniversary on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
  • The complimentary buffet dinner will be held from 6-9 p.m. on February 11, 2026.

The players

Villa Verone

An Italian restaurant in downtown Geneva, Illinois that has been in business for 30 years, known for its authentic Southern Italian cuisine and inviting patio dining.

Pietro Verone

The owner of Villa Verone Ristorante Italiano who has no plans to retire, stating "I've got tables to greet, stories to hear, plates to send out, and memories to be made every single night."

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What they’re saying

“Retirement? Not a chance. I've got tables to greet, stories to hear, plates to send out, and memories to be made every single night. It's loud, it's exhausting, it's beautiful and I wouldn't trade this life at Villa Verone Ristorante Italiano for anything.”

— Pietro Verone, Owner (Facebook)

What’s next

The complimentary buffet dinner at Villa Verone on February 11, 2026 is a one-time event to celebrate the restaurant's 30th anniversary. After the anniversary celebration, Villa Verone will continue operating under its regular hours and reservation policies.

The takeaway

Villa Verone's 30-year legacy in downtown Geneva demonstrates the enduring appeal of a locally-owned, community-focused restaurant that prioritizes quality, service, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for friends, families, and the broader community to gather and enjoy great food together.