Bambinos reopens in Phelps Grove

Phelps Grove neighborhood fixture Bambinos Cafe has reopened following an addition and renovation project that's been underway since spring 2024.

Owner Andy Faucett said the 1141 E. Delmar St. restaurant reopened to customers at 11 a.m. Reached amid the lunch rush, Faucett said it's been "so far, so good" for the restaurant, which expanded to 3,800 square feet and added a second story through the construction work.

"It really is a big relief," Faucett said, noting the upstairs area and some landscaping work remains to be completed. "It is really, really nice."

Green Block LLC served as general contractor for the construction project designed by Hood-Rich Inc., according to past Springfield Business Journal reporting. 

Bambinos operated a temporary downtown site at 405 W. Walnut St. amid the work, and its other restaurant at the intersection of Battlefield Road and Lone Pine Avenue within the Half A Hill retail center has remained open.

Faucett said both locations would likely settle in at around 40 employees apiece.

The Delmar Street building, located in a largely residential neighborhood, has been home to Bambinos since 2001 and was erected as McLaggan Groceries in 1927, according to past reporting.

Bambinos Cafe's menu includes pasta, ravioli, paninis and pizza, according to its website.

"We're hoping at some point to maybe make some menu enhancements," Faucett said. "We have rolled out online ordering, as well, that's now available on our website."