Rosebud Prime: A Rare Steakhouse, well done.
Alex Dana’s Rosebud Restaurants are no stranger to producing Great Food. Below is a little history about one of Chicago’s Best Restaurant Dynasty’s.
In 1973, 26-year-old Chicago native Alex Dana purchased an existing
luncheonette in Chicago’s Loop. Although business at the “store” was good, Dana
wasn’t satisfied. Actually, Dana had a different vision for the location: a full
service restaurant. A “joint” that operated from early morning until late at
night, a place that offered great food and lots of it, excellent service from
friendly people and warm hospitality beginning at the front door. Being raised
in a family of restaurant owners it came as no surprise that a new Chicago
legend was in the making.
In 1975 two new opportunities knocked at Dana’s door almost simultaneously.
Buyers hungry for the success of his loop location made an offer “even he
couldn’t refuse,” which corresponded with the opportunity for Alex to purchase
the run-down Italian Men’s Supper Club, in a what soon would become a prime
location in Chicago’s Little Italy and the The Rosebud was born! Originally
called Bocciola della Rosa (bud of the rose), after Sicily’s native flower, the
name was translated into English after it was discovered that patrons had a
difficult time pronouncing it. Signature dishes, such as Chicken Vesuvio and
Pappardelle (square noodles) were introduced. Rosebud became a favorite of
celebrities from Robert DeNiro and Tony Bennett to Frank Sinatra, not to mention
Carol Burnett, Robert Redford and Jimmy Buffett. Naturally, a gallery of
autographed photos was quickly created (and continues to grow) for all to see.
In 1992 expansion was on Dana’s mind. He took an aging (but beautiful)
building located in the old Rush Street entertainment neighborhood, one block
from the trendy Michigan Avenue shops and opened the Rosebud on Rush, which
became an instant hit with Chicagoans and visiting celebrities alike.
Following the growing (and glowing) success of Rosebud on Rush, in 1995 Alex
then opened Carmine’s Clamhouse just up the street five blocks on Rush Street.
This was the first departure from the use of the name Rosebud for a Dana
restaurant. Offering two levels of dining, a busy bar, live entertainment and
the outdoor cafe in Chicago for people watching, Carmine’s became an instant
celebrity in its own right.
Not one to rest on his laurels (and remembering that you’re only as good as
the last bowl of pasta sold), Dana opened his first suburban location, the
Rosebud of Naperville (located thirty-two miles southwest of the city) and the
Rosebud Theater District, located in Chicago’s financial/theater center. After a
three-year hiatus, his creative juices began to flow again and in 2000 Alex
opened his second suburban outpost, the Rosebud of Highland Park, in a tiny
suburb just 22 miles north of the city.
With an emphasis on family, value AND great food, the Rosebud regulars stayed Rosebud regulars, this time on their own suburban turf. 2000 also saw the birth of a new concept for Dana – Rosebud Steakhouse (A RARE STEAKHOUSE, WELL DONE). The magic continued, this time with tuxedoed waiters, a 28-ounce Chicago-Cut bone-in filet and being voted “The Best Burger” in town by Chicago Tribune readers.
A few years later, Dana decided to try something different by combining a
high-end Italian restaurant with a fun-loving lounge and nightspot. In May of
2005 he opened Rosebud Trattoria, located in Chicago’s bustling River North.
Dana transformed the former 50’s style diner into a sleek and sophisticated
dining spot with a lounge like feel offering something for everyone from morning
till night.
After the success of eight restaurants, Dana had an idea to combine the most
beloved, best-selling dishes from all of his locations together under one roof.
He wanted customers to have the opportunity to enjoy sausage and peppers from
The Rosebud on Taylor Street, Mama’s Meatballs from Rosebud Trattoria and
Linguine with Clams from Carmine’s on one menu. In May of 2007 the ideal setting
presented itself and he opened Rosebud Old World Italian in the Northwest suburb
of Schaumburg. Needless to say the restaurant was an instant hit, catering to
business professionals and families alike.
Two months later, Dana was back in the city impressing customers yet again.
In July of 2007 he opened Rosebud Prime, a lavish dining oasis amidst the finest
entertainment venues and steps away from the heart of the loop. The second
steakhouse under the Rosebud umbrella, Rosebud Prime combines impeccable
service, a sophisticated atmosphere and the finest selection of steaks, seafood
and chops.
In 2009, Dana decided to make a change to Rosebud of Naperville and after a
brief stint serving comfort foods including Rosebud’s renowned hamburger, the
restaurant transformed into Rosebud Italian Specialties & Pizzeria. The new
concept provides a fresh perspective on Italian cuisine with a chef driven,
weekly changing menu focusing on regional dishes and fresh ingredients. Another
new feature is thin crust, Award Winning Pizzas served from a traditional deck
style oven. The ultimate goal at Rosebud Italian Specialties and Pizzeria is to
provide customers with two distinct dining options; a more casual, family
friendly pizzeria and an upscale, white table-cloth dining room.
It’s been an exciting journey for Alex Dana and Rosebud. Today, ten
restaurants including two steakhouses and eight white table-cloth Italian
concepts are proudly under the Rosebud umbrella, each filling a unique niche
within the community and upholding the highest standards for fine cuisine and
superior wine selections. After more than thirty years of business, there’s no
telling what’s next on the horizon. One thing is for sure, the future is bright
for this dynamic restaurant group. Stay tuned for exciting developments!
About Rosebud Prime:
A LAVISH DINING OASIS AMIDST THE FINEST ENTERTAINMENT VENUES IN THE CITY
Conveniently located at One South Dearborn Street, escape the everyday hustle
and bustle inside Rosebud Prime’s lush, bi-level dining room. High ceilings,
chocolate-brown leather wall details and spectacular chandeliers tower above the
illustrious space on the main floor while a grand staircase ascends to a second
dining area, offering a bird’s-eye view of diners below. Never pretentious and
always approachable, plush red chairs and cozy banquets provide comfortable
seating and a relaxed atmosphere to indulge in a feast of the finest steaks,
seafood, and chops.
FIND OUT WHY ROSEBUD’S IMPECCABLE REPUTATION FOR SERVING THE HIGHEST QUALITY CUISINE IS WELL DESERVED
Join them for a culinary journey that begins with the perfect glass of wine from
the extensive wine list and a delightful lobster cocktail or the whimsical Kobe
beef hotdog.
Of course you’ll want to save room for the Signature Steak’s when the menu features options like Rosebud’s signature 18 ounce bone-in filet with wild mushrooms and a 28 ounce “Chicago Cut” Bone-In Ribeye. Not in the mood for steak? A variety of seafood specialties like broiled colossal jumbo prawns or the crab and brie stuffed tilapia are sure to satisfy even the most discerning taste-buds. Plus, our enormous selection of side dishes compliment any meal. Combining elegant atmosphere, impeccable service and the finest selection of steaks, seafood and chops, Rosebud Prime is truly A Rare Steakhouse Well Done.
Rosebud Prime is located at:
1 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL
60603
Tel: 312-384-1900
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