Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano

Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano is a well-regarded chain of full-service Italian restaurants, offering an upscale-casual dining experience with a menu inspired by traditional Italian recipes. Established in 1999 by Todd Hovenden in Bloomington, Illinois, the company has grown steadily under his leadership, with Hovenden still serving as CEO as of November 2025. Biaggi's operates 16 locations across eight states, including Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Colorado, Minnesota, Nebraska, Utah, and Mississippi.

The restaurant chain is celebrated for its open kitchens, extensive wine selections, and dishes that feature house-made pastas and signature ravioli, all served in a welcoming environment. A notable milestone in Biaggi's history was its strategic expansion beyond the Midwest into the Mountain West and Southern regions. This move reflects the company's careful growth strategy, which targets suburban and secondary markets with high foot traffic and a demand for quality dining options.

Biaggi's is privately owned and maintains direct control over its operations, choosing not to franchise. This approach ensures consistent brand standards and quality across all locations. The company also runs a separate Mexican dining concept, Ancho & Agave, under the same leadership, though each brand operates independently.

Headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, Biaggi's employs around 1,000 people across its restaurants and corporate office. The company's estimated annual revenue falls between $50 and $100 million, aligning with industry benchmarks for similar upscale-casual chains. For commercial real estate professionals, Biaggi's is a noteworthy tenant due to its stable growth, strong regional brand presence, and preference for sites in high-traffic retail centers. The leadership team is actively involved in the site selection process, collaborating closely with contractors and brokers to ensure that each new location aligns with the brand’s operational and aesthetic goals. Biaggi's continues to explore new market opportunities, focusing on communities that appreciate quality dining and hospitality.