About the Chef

Executive Chef Brandon Christie didn’t grow up in a house full of cooks, but he’s been drawn to the kitchen all the same. As early as middle school, Christie knew he loved to cook. Growing up in Syracuse, New York, he always signed up for Home Economics classes and enjoyed experimenting with new creations for his friends. Today Christie says, “a well-prepared meal is the path to a wonderful celebration”.

It’ll be four years in April since he joined Maggiano's Little Italy at Westshore Plaza after transferring from the Philadelphia restaurant. While the restaurant is known for its savory pasta dishes, Christie also loves to grill a Ribeye or NY strip too. His family tries to give him a break during the holidays but Christie says he’s usually drawn back to the kitchen. He grew up with family sit down dinners at least five times a week, despite their busy sport and activity days and it’s something he shares with Maggiano’s. It's all about bringing family and friends together to enjoy a good meal together. 

Maggiano’s Story

When Maggiano’s Little Italy opened in Chicago in November of 1991, the restaurant was immediately successful, with eager diners sometimes waiting for hours. The family-style setting served up large portions of Italian-American cuisine reminiscent of Sunday meals at grandmother’s house. The recipes came from Italian grandmothers, mothers, and aunts and morphed into simple and authentic classic dishes. Two years later, a second location opened in Illinois and now Maggiano’s has 53 locations in 22 states.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or gathering the family for an informal dinner, Maggiano’s strives to make every guest feel special. Teammates share a common goal of “we over me” and hope everyone leaves laughing.

Classic Italian Cuisine 

Maggiano’s scratch kitchen is full of favorites like their Famous Rigatoni “D” ®, gnocchi and Italian sausage or their popular spaghetti and meatballs and lasagnaMeal prep starts early between 5-5:30 a.m. when the prep cooks arrive and inventory is taken. The prep line has an 8 a.m. huddle and each day begins committed to their mission of serving up dishes to bring families together. 

Banquet Rooms

Maggiano’s has several banquet rooms to pick from for an upcoming holiday party, wedding, birthday or special occasion. They’ve hosted murder mystery and trivia nights in one of their four rooms serving 7-150 people. The restaurant partners with Make a Wish for a Wines and Wishes event during the summer as a fundraiser for the organization. You can request banquet information online or call them directly at 813.288-0066. 

Saturday and Sunday Brunch

The weekends are perfect for a relaxed meal with family and friends. Maggiano's brunch has something for everyone with your breakfast classics like pancakes and waffles and other specialties like the crab cake or meatball benedict. 

Sommelier Wine Club and Wine Down Wednesday 

The Sommelier Wine Club at Maggiano's features a free bottle of wine with every 10 glasses purchased. Wines are carefully selected from family wineries. 

On the last Wednesday of the month, Maggiano’s has Wine Down Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. offering selections from their exclusive Sommelier Wine List. You can enjoy $15 flights and $4 flatbreads. There is also complimentary hors d’oeuvres in the lounge with a sommelier wine purchase.

Maggiano's is located at 203 Westshore Plaza. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday - Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, 10:30 a.m. -11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday 10:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. Reservations can be made online or by calling 813.288.9000.