New Dixon eatery, Lena’s Social Club, aims to build more than just a restaurant

DIXON – A new restaurant and bar in Dixon, Lena’s Social Club, is gearing up to open in late February.

Owners Heather and Greg Huffman originally planned for an early November opening, but the extensive renovations to the former Mama Cimino’s, at 104 S. Peoria Ave., have taken longer than expected, Heather said in an interview Friday with Shaw Local.

[ Dixon’s Mama Cimino’s purchased by local couple opening restaurant ]

However, they have opened delivery and carryout for a variety of pizza options as renovations are completed in the kitchen and their full staff is being trained, she said.

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Greg and Heather Huffman have been working with contractors to renovate the Mama Cimino’s building into their own eatery, Lena’s Social Club. A late February opening is being planned. (Alex T. Paschal)

The pizzas come in three sizes – 12, 18 and 24 inches - and range from classics such as veggie and meat lovers to more adventurous choices such as chicken pesto and mac and cheese.

The couple worked with chefs in Chicago to create the recipes and attended what Heather referred to as “the pizza academy.”

But pizza is only a portion of what’s to come. The full menu – expected to be unveiled in early February – will include south-of-the-border dishes as well as pastas, salads and desserts. It also will have vegan, gluten-free and diabetic-friendly options, Heather said.

They’re aiming to introduce experimental dishes in a casual way, she said, describing the menu as “upscale comfort food.”

Like the menu, a lot of work has gone into the design of the restaurant. Specifically, its logo – a cursive L with a horseshoe wrapped around it – was chosen because a horseshoe represents prosperity, Heather said.

As for the restaurant’s interior, the plan is for it to be “modern industrial glam,” mixing metals, brick and gold while maintaining the building’s historical integrity, she said.

Entering through the front door, guests will be greeted by the host stand. There will be a horseshoe-shaped bar, where they plan on showing the NFL Sunday Ticket games. There also will be a dining area along with a separate space for a kid- and teen-friendly game room, Heather said.

They’ve done a lot of work to ensure the building is up to code, including updates to its plumbing and electrical systems.

“At one point, we had three big trenches dug in here,” Heather said, referring to the soon-to-be dining area.

Upstairs, they’re also updating the banquet hall to become a wedding event space named “the Huffman” and plan on a 2026 opening, she said.

Both Heather and Greg grew up in Dixon and, until recently, were living in Kansas City working corporate jobs. After coming back to Dixon to visit friends, they realized they really missed the community, Heather said.

“This community has shown both of us so much love and support,” she said.

Their goal for Lena’s is to create more than just a restaurant. They hope for it to be “a positive environment for everyone who comes in here,” Heather said. “It’s all about connection and making everyone feel like they truly matter.”

For information, visit Lena’s Social Club’s website.