SHAWANO, WI- A new chapter is beginning for a longtime Shawano restaurant property after the owners of Luigi’s Italian Restaurant purchased Dixon’s Torchlite and are planning a new upscale dining concept.
Jody and Cindy Dixon sold the restaurant at 1276 E. Green Bay Street to brothers Domenic Badalamenti and Salvatore Badalamenti, with the sale taking effect March 27. Dixon’s Torchlite had operated since February 2022 after the Dixon’s purchased the longtime Anello’s Torch Lite, which had served the community for more than four decades.
Sal Badalamenti said the purchase represents a new opportunity for the family and the community.
“For my kids, we saw an opportunity and we took it,” he said. “It’s a big restaurant and there’s a lot to do.”
The Badalamenti brothers plan to transform the space into more of an upscale supper club that would likely be focused more on prime steaks, high-end bourbons and wines. Badalamenti emphasized the concept will differ from Luigi’s Italian menu. “It’s not going to be pizza. It’s not going to be alot of pasta. We’re going to do something a little bit different,” he said, noting the exact menu is still being developed. He added the owners plan to meet and finalize ideas soon.
Before opening, there is still a lot of work to do. “We have to get all the permits, clean up the kitchen with new equipment and fix a couple things that aren’t right,” Badalamenti said. He estimates the project could take a couple of months to complete.
While the exact hours of operation are still under discussion, the restaurant is expected to begin with dinner service and may eventually expand. “We’re still figuring out if we’ll work the whole day or start with something like 4 to 9 p.m.,” he said.
Badalamenti says they have also talked about possibly starting lunch and even a Sunday buffet in the future.
LISTEN to Sal Badalamenti discuss the purchase of Dixon’s Torchlite
Comments