Our Story

Some Traditions Aren’t Worth Changing

With nearly 50 years of unwavering dedication, Alex Dana’s Rosebud Restaurants have become a cherished destination for those seeking the epitome of classic Italian cuisine.


Join us as we continue to celebrate our rich heritage, weaving together the flavors, aromas, and traditions that have made Rosebud an enduring culinary institution in the heart of Chicago.

A Man Who Needs No Introduction


“There is no time to hesitate if you want to succeed”, said legendary Chicago restaurateur Alex Dana. As founder of the iconic Rosebud Restaurant Group, Dana has lived and made his career by that philosophy, adding, “You can’t look back if you want to move ahead.”

Dana has been moving ahead for nearly 50 years, expanding the success of his original Rosebud into Chicago’s first major restaurant group and an international household name. Beloved by celebrities, politicians, global leaders and the everyman alike, all of Dana’s Rosebud Restaurants throughout Chicagoland retain an authenticity and a high level of quality and service that has become an industry standard.

Rosebud’s founder, Alex Dana holding a large plate of food
“Welcome to Rosebud.”
alex dana

ROSEBUD restaurants FOUNDER

Our History


1923

First Restaurant Founder, Alex Dana, Worked in

The Dana Family opened their first Chicago restaurant.

Rosebud Founder, Alex Dana, learned the in’s and out’s of the restaurant industry at a young age while working in his family’s restaurant. The restaurant was a scratch kitchen, meaning everything was made in-house everyday.

1973

Image of first restaurant Alex Dana opened

Alex Dana opens his first restaurant concept.

In 1973, Dana opened his first restaurant on the corner of Washington and Wacker in the heart of Chicago’s Loop neighborhood. Located right across from the Opera House, his business quickly took off as his recipes won the hearts of talent and opera fans alike.

1974-1976

Photo of staff from first restaurant, Rosebud Taylor Street

The Rosebud on Taylor St. opens in Chicago’s Little Italy.

In 1974, Dana began building his first Rosebud location in Chicago’s Little Italy. Originally named Bocciola della Rose (bud of the rose), The Rosebud on Taylor St. officially opened its doors in 1976 and quickly became known for their delicious, authentic, Italian cuisine and as a hot spot for celebrity sightings. Rosebud on Taylor St. is where Rosebud traditions were born nearly 50 years ago and remains open today.

1992

Exterior photo of Rosbeud on Rush

The Rosebud name expands, Rosebud on Rush St. opens its doors.

In 1992 expansion was on Rosebud Founder, Alex 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.

1995

Exterior photo of Carmine's on Rush

Carmine’s Chicago opens in Chicago’s Gold Coast.

In 1995, following the growing (and glowing) success of Rosebud on Rush, Alex Dana opened Carmine’s Clamhouse. 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.

1997-2016

Taylor Street & Laflin (Honorary Alex Dana Way) Intersection street sign

Rosebud turns 40, and business is in full bloom!

With a proud history of more than 10 distinctive restaurants, Rosebud reached a remarkable milestone in 2016, celebrating 40 years of serving Chicago. Rosebud’s passion for food and dedication to unparalleled service have propelled them to expand across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, becoming a household name for those seeking an authentic Italian dining experience. To celebrate 40 successful years of Rosebud, Taylor St., home to the original Rosebud, was named the honorary ‘Alex Dana Way’

2018

Tom Hanks outside of Rosebud

Tom Hanks declares Rosebud’s baked ziti the best he’s had

“I have never had a better baked ziti. You guys have set the bar for all else to follow.”

2024

Rendering of Mia Rosebud, Boca Raton

Rosebud expands to Boca Raton, Florida

Mia Rosebud, Rosebud Restaurants’ first out-of-state location, opens in March 2024. This location features 7,700 square ft of interior space as well as a stunning terrace for outdoor dining.

2025

Rendering of Carmine's Chicago Renovation

Carmine’s Chicago Renovation

The $4 million Carmine’s Chicago reconstruction project will begin in early 2024 with the expected reopening to be the following year. The new Carmine’s will measure over 10,000 square feet of dining space and feature an expansive, all-weather, outdoor terrace overlooking Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood, stunning dining rooms and multiple bar areas on the first floor entry and terrace. 

Our historic Rosebud on Rush, beautifully captured by @leslie_hurtado_❤️‍🔥
Happy National Ravioli Day! Our handmade ricotta-filled ravioli topped with tomato basil sauce is the perfect home cooked meal you’ve been craving. 

Click the link in our bio to reserve your dinner reservation and celebrate this delicious holiday the Rosebud way.
Easter pre-orders are now open! 

Hosting an Easter gathering this year? Let us handle the food! Elevate your Easter with an entirely customizable Rosebud to-go order. Shop all the delicious options at the link in our bio. 

Available at Randolph, Rush, Rosemont, Lemont, Naperville, and Deerfield locations. Orders close on March 28th at 11 AM.
Planning to be downtown this St. Patrick’s Day? After celebrating the luck of the Irish during the river dyeing, take a leisurely passeggiata (just a 10-minute stroll!) over to Rosebud on Randolph and extend the celebration with our Italian-style brunch specials!

Book your table now through the link in our bio. Brunch is served every Saturday and Sunday, from 9 AM to 2 PM.
We are pleased to announce that our Mia Rosebud, Boca Raton location is officially open! 

A quick note from Mr Alex Dana in advance of the opening:

“As our first-ever location outside of Chicago, the opening of Mia Rosebud opening is more than a new chapter; it’s a testament to our commitment to excellence and the lasting legacy of Rosebud Restaurants. We aim for Mia Rosebud to become the go-to restaurant in the area that is perfect for any occasion or night of the week.”

For all the details and to grab your reservation, head to the link in our bio.
A national holiday approaches… Will you be celebrating accordingly? 

NATIONAL MEATBALL DAY arrives on Saturday, March 9th! And to mark the occasion, we're offering our side of Mama's Meatball for just $9 at all our locations. 

Secure your spot now - this special is available at all Rosebud locations and Carmine’s!

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