The Arcada Theatre is in the process of several new renovations in downtown St. Charles, located at 105 E Main St.
Two new restaurants and a new club will soon open in a few weeks, as president and owner of Onestil Entertainment Ron Onesti is nearing the completion of an extensive renovation. The first restaurant set to open is Rock ‘N Za, expected to open in early May. Next is Studio 64, a dance club that plays on the former disco Studio 54 nightclub in NYC, scheduled to open in Mid-May. Finally, the second restaurant, Rock ‘N Ravioli, is opening in about six to eight weeks, or early Summer 2022.
Rock ‘N Za will feature wood-fired pizza, salads, Chicago-style hot dogs, and other fares, according to Shaw Local. The other restaurant will feature some of Onesti’s ravioli from homemade recipes. Some examples of upcoming dishes at the Rock /N Ravioli include chicken Vesuvio ravioli and braised beef ravioli. The club, on the other hand, will be located in the building’s former VIP Lounge. Onesti believes this new club, which is currently serving special events, will serve as a much-needed dance space for the area.
“I think St. Charles and the area could use that,” Onesti said. “People love to dance. We’re just expanding on the dance aspect.”
The Arcada Theatre and its sister operation, Club Arcada, reopened last year after more than a year and a half of closure due to the pandemic. This renovation project was expected to be completed a few months ago, but ongoing complications, such as supply chain problems and labor shortages, have delayed plans into mid-2022. Onesti is also opening The Arcadian Suites, with 11 suites, each with a musical theme.
“It’s been a challenge,” Onesti said. “We’ve had trouble getting the materials to finish the projects. We’ve also had labor problems — finding people to be severs, busboys and dishwashers. Hopefully in the next 120 days, we’ll have all the restaurants and the hotel open.”
