
The fire-damaged Sons of Italy hall is expected to open this winter.
After numerous delays, organizers are tentatively setting a date to reopen Sons of Italy at the end of the month.
They hope to open the doors for the organization’s signature lunches and dinners by Jan. 30 and Jan. 31, said Dan Matuella, state lodge president. But there’s a chance the opening could be pushed back to the first week of February.
The Sons of Italy is a nonprofit fraternal organization that raises money for local and national charities. The Omaha chapter was established in the 1920s,
At 1238 S. 10th St. in the Little Italy neighborhood, the hall was damaged in an accidental fire in January 2017 and has been closed since.
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The reopening of the restaurant has been pushed back several times. Delays were due to a financial shortfall and unexpected construction issues.
“We appreciate everybody’s patience in understanding. It’s been an arduous road, but we’re excited to start making white shirts dirty again,” Matuella said.
The most recent snags involved getting kitchen equipment installed, and arranging staff and volunteers, he said. Before opening officially, they plan a run-through or two to get the hang of new kitchen gear.
Organizers have heard support from the public, which is eager to get back to the hall for heaping plates of pasta. It was a relief to have the support, Matuella said.
“It’s gratifying,” he said. “You are concerned about out-of-sight, out-of-mind. We’re pleased that the legacy and the heritage of the Sons is still with a lot of folks. They are eagerly anticipating the opening.”
The hall is coming back roomier than before. The dining area should hold an additional 50 people. Restrooms, storage areas, the kitchen and carry-out areas also are larger than before.
Photos: Sons of Italy rebuilds after January 2017 fire
Sons of Italy fire

Omaha firefighters battle a two-alarm fire at the Sons of Italy Hall located at 1238 S 10th St. on Jan. 13, 2017.
Sons of Italy fire

Omaha firefighters battle a fire at the Sons of Italy hall on 10th Street on Jan. 13, 2017.
Sons of Italy fire

Omaha firefighters battle a fire at the Sons of Italy hall on 10th Street on Jan. 13, 2017.
Fire damage

The Sons of Italy Hall remains under reconstruction one year after a fire nearly destroyed the building.
Renovations at Sons of Italy

The Sons of Italy Hall remains under reconstruction one year after a fire nearly destroyed the building.
Renovations at Sons of Italy

The Sons of Italy Hall located at 1238 S 10th St. The hall has been closed since a fire in January 2017.
Renovations at Sons of Italy

Reconstruction continues a year after a fire damaged the Sons of Italy Hall, which was open to the public for Thursday lunches and Friday dinners.
Bar area

Renovation work continues on the bar at the Sons of Italy located at 1238 S. 10th St., on Monday, September 09, 2019. The hall was damaged in a fire in January 2017.
Dining room

Sons of Italy President Dan Matuella talks about renovations made to the hall after it was damaged in a 2017 fire. The hall, in Little Italy, is expected to open in mid-November.
Kitchen

Sons of Italy President Dan Matuella talks about the new range hood installed during renovations to the Sons of Italy Hall, 1238 S. 10th St. The hall was damaged by a fire in January 2017.
New exterior

Renovation work continues on Sons of Italy at 1238 S. 10th St. The hall, damaged in a 2017 fire, is expected to open in mid-November.
Items in storage at Sons of Italy

Sons of Italy officials are still trying to decide what to do with liquor pulled after the January 2017 fire at their hall.
Sons of Italy exterior

Some of the original brick that was salvaged is next to new brick after renovation work at Sons of Italy, 1238 S. 10th St.
Sons of Italy exterior

Some of the original brick was salvaged after renovation work at Sons of Italy, 1238 S. 10th St. The hall was damaged in a fire in January 2017.
Larger dining space

Renovation work continues at the Sons of Italy Hall, 1238 S. 10th St. The hall was damaged in a January 2017 fire.
Bathrooms

The newly renovated women's bathroom is much larger than the previous one at Sons of Italy. The hall was damaged in a fire in January 2017.
Dining room

Renovation work continues on the Sons of Italy located at 1238 S. 10th St., on Monday, September 09, 2019. The hall was damaged in a fire in January 2017.
Signs in storage at Sons of Italy

Some of the old signs from the Sons of Italy Hall sit in the basement of the building at 1238 S. 10th St. Renovations continue upstairs on the hall, which was damaged in a 2017 fire.
kelsey.stewart@owh.com, 402-444-3100