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New Italian restaurant coming to Branson

Exciting news from the Branson dining scene! We'd been hearing about a new Italian joint coming to the old Pasta House location on Green Mountain Drive for a week or so, but now we have a name and a press release to go with the chatter!

Florentina's Italian Restaurante—which is run by the same company that runs both locations of the popular Montana Mike's Steakhouse and McFarlain's Family Restaurant, among other Branson attractions—is planning a March 22 opening. It plans to serve lunch and dinner with a family-friendly atmosphere and menu, and specialize in brick-fired pizzas.

A full press release, including chef and more menu details, follows.

We have only one word for this announcement: Branson-lissima!

Matt Lemmon, digital director

New Italian Restaurant Concept Set to Open in Pasta House Location

Branson, Missouri – January 20, 2010 – The operator’s of Montana Mike’s Steakhouse and McFarlain’s Family Restaurant announce the acquisition of the Pasta House location on Green Mountain Drive for a completely new and one-of-a-kind Italian restaurant experience.

“Though we have a number of chain Italian restaurants, Branson was lacking something unique and first class in the way of Italian cuisine,” says Paul Rasmussen, President of Branson Restaurants Inc. “Not only will our new concept be an ‘only in Branson’ experience, but also, truly exceptional Italian dining.”

Florentina’s Italian Restaurante will open it’s doors on Monday, March 22, serving lunch and dinner featuring a number of Branson firsts, including family-style dining that will offer portions suitable for groups of four and six, plus Branson’s only authentic brick oven pizzas.

“We didn’t just want to do something without doing it right,” says Rasmussen. “The brick pizza oven will be a focal point for the restaurant and really set the tone and theme. Though we’re also focusing on the Italian concept as a whole, and the family-style dining…make no mistake, we intend to become the best pizza in Branson.”

The company is developing menus and recipes with the assistance of Chef Ron Kaleniuk, better known in Branson as Chef K. Chef K is a popular and well renowned Executive Chef, cookbook author and restaurateur. The Pasta House location will remain closed while renovations are made throughout January and February.

“Initially, we’ll have a soft opening,” says Becky Blair, director of Advertising, Marketing & Sales. “But sometime in April, Branson can expect Florentina’s grand opening celebration and area appreciation event. We have no doubt that Florentina’s will become an iconic Branson specialty, much like McFarlain’s Family Restaurant.”

Florentina’s Italian Restaurante will be opened under the IMAX Entertainment Complex family of businesses that also operates the IMAX Theater and Mall Complex, McFarlain’s Family Restaurant, the IMAX Food Court, the Little Opry Theatre, the Elite Cinema III, both Branson locations of Montana Mike’s Steakhouse, and most recently, the Branson Meadows Cinema.