Buca di Beppo

Buca di Beppo is an American restaurant chain specializing in Italian-American cuisine, renowned for its family-style dining experience and distinctive decor. Established in 1993 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the restaurant was founded by Phil Roberts, who envisioned a dining environment reminiscent of traditional Italian-American eateries.

The inaugural location, Buca Little Italy, was situated in the basement of an apartment building, setting the tone for the chain's unique ambiance.

The menu at Buca di Beppo features a variety of classic Italian dishes, including spaghetti and meatballs, fettuccine alfredo, lasagna, ravioli, breadsticks, pizza, submarine sandwiches, and salads.

Dishes are served family-style, encouraging communal dining and sharing among guests. Some locations also offer a lunch menu with individual-sized portions.

The restaurant's decor is eclectic and vibrant, with each room uniquely themed. A notable feature is the "Pope Table," a dining table adorned with a bust of the current Pope atop a Lazy Susan, reflecting the chain's playful homage to Italian culture.

Vintage photographs and Italian-themed artifacts adorn the walls, creating an immersive dining environment.

Over the years, Buca di Beppo expanded its presence across the United States, operating 44 locations in 14 states as of August 2024. However, the chain faced financial challenges, leading to the closure of several underperforming restaurants.

In August 2024, Buca di Beppo filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing a significant drop in sales, rising food and labor costs, and staffing challenges.

Despite these closures, the company announced plans to keep its remaining locations open and continue operations.

Locations

As of August 2025, Buca di Beppo operates 44 locations across 14 states. These include:

• Arizona
• California
• Florida
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• Ohio
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Washington

The chain continues to serve its signature family-style Italian-American cuisine, maintaining its commitment to providing a unique and communal dining experience.