New owner for Buddyz Pizzeria in McHenry

McHENRY – John Beuckens of Lake in the Hills is purchasing Buddyz Pizzeria, 1138 N. Green St., McHenry.

The sale is scheduled to be finalized around July 1.

“This isn’t an economic issue at all,” said current owner Joe Scarnato of his decision to sell the McHenry restaurant. “We’re having a record 2013.”

The sale does not affect Buddyz A Chicago Pizzeria at 2749 W. Algonquin Road, Algonquin, which will continue to be operated by Tim Scarnato and partner Frank Lara.

Buddyz in McHenry opened in 2010. The Algonquin location opened in 2005.

“I’ve been a fan of Buddyz since they opened in 2005,” Beuckens said. “I’ve been eating there once or twice a week.”

Beuckens said he has 20 years experience in the restaurant business, including the last 16 years at Sbarro Pizza, which is featured in many mall food courts. Beuckens is leaving as director of operations at Sbarro, where he worked his way from the ground up.

“The business will stay the same,” Beuckens said of Buddyz. “The recipes will stay the same and the staff will stay the same.” Beuckens said he will bring his own management style to the restaurant, which employs about 20 people.

The restaurant specializes in thin crust, hand tossed, buttercrust pan and Chicago style deep dish pizza. Other specialities include Italian beef, homemade meatball sandwiches, lasagna, chicken Parmesan, chopped salad, and their own pizza chips.

Beuckens’ favorite? “Probably the deep dish or buttercrust pan,” he said.

The McHenry City Council Monday unanimously approved the liquor-license transfer for the business.

For more information about Buddyz Pizzeria, call 815-363-1010, or visit www.buddyzpizza.com.