Uptown’s Italian Gem: The Community Comes Together to Support Anna Maria Pasteria After Devastating Accident
In the aftermath of a devastating accident, the local business community in Uptown is coming together to support Anna Maria Pasteria, an Italian restaurant that was severely damaged when a driver crashed through its facade on Sunday night. At approximately 9:45 p.m. Sunday, a 27-year-old man ran a red light while driving north on North Clark Street, causing a collision with a car traveling west on Montrose Avenue before crashing into the restaurant at 4400 N. Clark St.
The impact of the crash left the interior of Anna Maria Pasteria in shambles, with shattered glass covering the floor and furniture destroyed. Photos and videos show the extent of the damage. The Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce has set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise $20,000 to help cover repair costs not covered by insurance, as well as to assist the six employees who are currently out of work while the restaurant remains closed.
Owner Anna Spinelli reluctantly requested assistance after the extensive damage left her business with limited options for recovery. The restaurant will require new signs and windows, along with repairs to its bar, flooring, host area, and furniture. Despite the challenges, Spinelli hopes to reopen the restaurant as soon as possible.
Anna Maria Pasteria opened in 1989 by Anna Spinelli and her late sister Maria and has been a popular Italian restaurant on the North Side ever since. The sisters built a loyal customer base after coming to Chicago from the Basilicata region of southern Italy. While it may take time for recovery efforts to be completed, Spinelli’s resilience in weathering this unexpected storm speaks volumes about her commitment to keeping her beloved establishment alive for years to come.
The community is rallying around Anna Maria Pasteria’s recovery efforts by donating money through GoFundMe campaigns or volunteering their time to help rebuild and restore their favorite Italian restaurant on North Side Uptown area.
