Steakhouse Captures Supper-club Vibe

By Ginger Reilly
Chicago Tribune (TribLocal Lincolnway – Frankfort, Mokena, and New Lenox)

For more than 40 years, a steak and lobster restaurant owned by a couple married 63 years has strived to offer quality food and a casual elegance inspired by the bygone-era supper club.

“This is a family restaurant and our children are involved with us — all four children,” said Joy Leonardo, who co-owns with her husband, Benny, Mr. Benny’s at 19200 Everett Lane in Mokena and its second location in Matteson.

Benny Leonardo was in his late 20s when he entered the restaurant business after his tobacco business folded during a difficult time in that industry.

“I had to make a living for my family,” Benny Leonardo said.
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Mr. Benny’s Offers More Than Ambience

The Daily Journal

It’s always a step back in time. A restaurant with an ambience reminiscent, perhaps, of the Rat Pack days. Red leather chairs, brick walls, low lighting, white table cloths and candlelight. Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and other sounds of the big band days playing in the background. You’ll find it only at Mr. Benny’s Steak and Lobster House in Matteson.
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Mokena Restaurant Owners Celebrate Combined 48 years In The Business

Felicitas Cortez, Staff Writer
MokenaMessenger.com

In a different era, Frank Sinatra could walk into a restaurant and order his go to – two-fingers whiskey, four ice cubes and a splash of water – never having to request the drink of choice again because the owner or bartender would just know for next time. Read More

Leonardo Family Celebrates 48 Years of Fine Dining at Mr. Benny’s Steak & Lobster House Locations

by William Keegan, Community Contributor
TribLocal

When Benny and Joy Leonardo opened their first restaurant in Chicago Heights in 1967 specializing in prime-aged steak and live lobster, little did they know it would mark the beginning of a decades-long love affair with fine dining that would include their entire family serving up old-world hospitality with a personalized touch.

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