Salamone’s in Cherry Valley featured on ‘America’s Best Restaurants Roadshow’

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — One of the Stateline’s best restaurants is now one of America’s best restaurants.

American’s best restaurants as in “America’s Best Restaurants Roadshow.”

Salamone’s Italian Restaurant will be featured in an upcoming episode of the popular YouTube show that highlights top independently owned restaurants across the country. The show is the video platform for the America’s Best Restaurants

website.

The honor came as a surprise to Salamone’s co-owner Rosalie Salamone.

“When we found out we were nominated, I got an email from ‘America’s Best Restaurants,’ and I was like, ‘Is this thing real?’ I was like, ‘What?’” she said.

Salamone’s was nominated by a customer.

Rosalie and her husband Benny have owned the Cherry Valley restaurant for 25 years. While she doesn’t know who submitted the nomination, she says she’s deeply grateful.

“What sets us apart from other restaurants is we have so much family in this restaurant,” she said. “We have 12 family members working here. And our staff is like family. I know everybody says that. But I truly mean that from the bottom of my heart.”

The selection process for the show is rigorous, according to show host Theo Williams.

“There [are] different checks and balances that we put to different restaurants to: Google reviews, Yelp reviews are very big,” Williams said. “Obviously, we don’t want to go to a place that’s getting terrible reviews. On top of that, the aesthetic of the restaurant—how nice is it? On top of that, the comments that people get.”

Manager Cathy Wilke, Rosalie’s sister, says the restaurant’s connection to its customers is key.

“I love our customers,” Wilke said. “On the weekends I go and visit with them. That’s where we find out where people come from—different towns. I love to get to know them.”

That sense of community is echoed by Salamone’s staff.

“It’s fun. We have a great time. Our regulars are awesome. The community is great,” said server Kelly Vartabedian.

Bartender and server Lindsay Hampton said: “I love who I work for. They’ve turned into my family. I’ve been here for almost 11 years, and I couldn’t ask for better coworkers and owners and managers.”

The restaurant’s menu also played a major role in its selection. One dish in particular stood out to Williams—the chicken picatta. Without giving away what’s to come in the episode, Williams gave the dish a simple review: “That’s fire, baby!”

Rosalie’s daughter Nina Salamone, who also works at the restaurant, is pround of her family’s achievement.

“We are very blessed and thankful,” she said. “I am so proud of my parents and how far they’ve come. It’s truly an honor. And we are so thankful for the awesome community here in Cherry Valley.”

Filming began Monday. A release date will be announced on the restaurant’s Facebook page.