Rosati’s Pizza gets slice of market in Wilmette

A well-known pizza maker is coming to Wilmette. 

Wilmette’s Village Board during its Tuesday, Dec. 8 meeting approved a request for a special use that permits the operation of Rosati’s Pizza, a limited-service restaurant, in the former home of Fannie May Confections inside Plaza Del Lago.   

According to details of the now-approved proposal, the restaurant plans to operate from 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Sunday. The new Rosati’s location will offer delivery, carry-out and indoor dining — once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and it is allowed. 

“I am excited about this opportunity,” said Sehul Patel, the applicant and will-be operator of the chain’s Wilmette location, in his proposal to the village. “We would like to bring Chicago’s finest thin crust pizza to one of the prestigious villages in the Chicagoland area.”

Patel told Wilmette’s Zoning Board of Appeals last month that the restaurant will seat 10-12 people in nonpandemic times. Patel, who also has Rosati’s Pizza locations in Skokie and Lincolnwood, said the eatery will have a 200-square-foot area to accommodate those guests. 

The other two locations Patel runs are carry-out only, he said, adding that this new Wilmette location will mirror the operational model of the Rosati’s on Wells Street in Chicago.

The space Rosati’s will occupy is approximately 1,400 square feet and is currently vacant. It has been vacant since 2019 when Fannie May closed, according to village records. 

Village officials believe this use will complement nearby existing businesses. 

“The proposed use in this location is consistent with the goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan to maintain commercial areas where a variety of goods and services are offered,” reads a memo in part from the zoning board recommending approval.

An opening date for Rosati’s could not be confirmed as of publication time.