ITALIAN GARDENS RESTAURANT
ITALIAN GARDENS RESTAURANT
Finally, the iconic Italian Gardens neon sign calls LUMI home. Since our beginning in 2017, we’ve had our sights set on this historically significant sign which until 2024 remained out of reach.
First opened in 1925 as Il Trovatore by Johnny Bondon and his nephew Frank Lipari at 13th and Walnut Streets, Italian Gardens opened at 1110 Baltimore Avenue in 1933 where it served and entertained presidents, politicians, prize fighters, movie stars, and of course, loyal Kansas City patrons for 78 years. From the early 50s on, most were greeted by Kansas City “civic leader extraordinaire” Carl J. DiCapo, nephew to Johnny Bondon, father to John David DiCapo and longtime proprietor of the restaurant.
Just mention Italian Gardens to friends and families and you’ll hear them reminisce about the days of going out to dinner downtown, or where one dined after senior prom, or their days of frequent and friendly business lunches at “the Gardens.” For visitors, it was often the highlight of their trip to the big city. Italian Gardens closed in 2003, but with LUMI’s help, will never be forgotten.
LUMI is indebted to Kansas City attorney and LUMI board member Brian F. McCallister, LUMI President Nick Vedros and LUMI board member Nick Yoss for making this acquisition a reality. The fundraising effort to restore this Kansas City keepsake was led by former Italian Gardens President John David DiCapo.
To honor the legacy of Carl J. DiCapo, the Native Sons & Daughters of Greater Kansas City, Inc. generously contributed to this sign’s restoration. Since 1937, through advocacy, education and restoration, this membership organization has dedicated its efforts to the historic preservation and celebration of Greater Kansas City’s rich heritage in both Missouri and Kansas. Carl DiCapo was a longtime member and past President of the Native Sons & Daughters of Greater Kansas City, Inc.
Italian Gardens will stand among the brightest stars on LUMI’s neon alley at Pennway Point, Kansas City’s newest entertainment venue and home to the Kansas City Wheel. There, it will entertain and enlighten visitors to its prominent place in Kansas City history.
Finally, the iconic Italian Gardens neon sign calls LUMI home. Since our beginning in 2017, we’ve had our sights set on this historically significant sign which until 2024 remained out of reach.
First opened in 1925 as Il Trovatore by Johnny Bondon and his nephew Frank Lipari at 13th and Walnut Streets, Italian Gardens opened at 1110 Baltimore Avenue in 1933 where it served and entertained presidents, politicians, prize fighters, movie stars, and of course, loyal Kansas City patrons for 78 years. From the early 50s on, most were greeted by Kansas City “civic leader extraordinaire” Carl J. DiCapo, nephew to Johnny Bondon, father to John David DiCapo and longtime proprietor of the restaurant.
Just mention Italian Gardens to friends and families and you’ll hear them reminisce about the days of going out to dinner downtown, or where one dined after senior prom, or their days of frequent and friendly business lunches at “the Gardens.” For visitors, it was often the highlight of their trip to the big city. Italian Gardens closed in 2003, but with LUMI’s help, will never be forgotten.
LUMI is indebted to Kansas City attorney and LUMI board member Brian F. McCallister, LUMI President Nick Vedros and LUMI board member Nick Yoss for making this acquisition a reality. The fundraising effort to restore this Kansas City keepsake was led by former Italian Gardens President John David DiCapo.
To honor the legacy of Carl J. DiCapo, the Native Sons & Daughters of Greater Kansas City, Inc. generously contributed to this sign’s restoration. Since 1937, through advocacy, education and restoration, this membership organization has dedicated its efforts to the historic preservation and celebration of Greater Kansas City’s rich heritage in both Missouri and Kansas. Carl DiCapo was a longtime member and past President of the Native Sons & Daughters of Greater Kansas City, Inc.
Italian Gardens will stand among the brightest stars on LUMI’s neon alley at Pennway Point, Kansas City’s newest entertainment venue and home to the Kansas City Wheel. There, it will entertain and enlighten visitors to its prominent place in Kansas City history.
