Giovanni in Highland under new owners; Brumm’s closing
When Procopio LoDuca moved from Italy with his parents in 1940 to pursue his boyhood dreams starting a new chapter in America, he never expected a 50-year family restaurant legacy.
After he opened a small sandwich shop along Hohman Avenue in Hammond in the 1950s, his dreams grew, and by 1966, he purchased a struggling restaurant at 603 Ridge Road in Munster to open his own pizzeria. By 1976, with the help of his wife Nancy, the couple expanded and doubled the building’s size to create an Italian dining restaurant earning national acclaim.
Procopio, known to friends and frequent diners as “Pro,” died in September 1994 and daughter Mary LoDuca stepped in to manage ownership of the restaurant. His oldest son and business partner Paul LoDuca was already busy in Chicago with his own well-received Italian restaurant Vinci, which opened in 1991 along North Halsted Street as a corner neighbor to the new Steppenwolf Theatre.
In October, Mary LoDuca sold Giovanni’s, and new ownership began management and full operations last month.
“Yes, after more than five decades Giovanni’s has been sold,” Mary said in an email.
“We sold it to the Dovellos Family. They are a wonderful small family. We are happy with the decision as they are too! We worked together on everything as to make the transition easy. We have supported and been a staple in the Munster community for 54 years. We thank the Munster community and all our wonderful customers and employees. It has been more than a pleasure to have welcomed everyone who has dined with us. We love you all, and will treasure all the times we have spent together. Cheers to making many more years of memories at Giovanni’s!” During the 1980s, the restaurant and menus received much attention and critical raves after Chef Tim Merkel began leading the kitchen team in 1987, and stayed for more than 20 years. In recent years, other culinary names such as Chef Chris Pohl and Chef Concepcion “Sean” Medrano have been the new menu stars.
Final Bloomin’ Christmas
Another surprise retail retirement in the region is Brumm’s Bloomin’ Barn at 2540 45th St. in Highland, which was founded in 1970 by Jerry and Nancy Brumm, who created the charming floral and gift shop as a family-run business with their children.
On Nov. 25, the family announced: “Yes, The Brumms are retiring, but the store is open and it will remain this way for at least the next few weeks. At this time, there are no plans to continue the brand Brumm’s Bloomin’ Barn under different management after The Brumms retire. There are also no solid plans for the building space to be leased to another person or company. There is not a specific end date as far as when our doors will close and we are just now beginning the retirement sale. We are going to be in full swing through at least the end of the holiday season, and when a last day is decided upon, it will be announced formally. While, like many independent businesses across the country, we have been impacted by COVID-19, the decision to retire was NOT predicated on the pandemic. The Brumms had always looked at the 50-year mark as a goal, if not a finish line, even back when first opening the store. Truth be told, because of our loyal customer base, our store has continued to survive and thrive even during this difficult time. For that, we cannot thank you enough.”
Munchkin mate passing
Myrna Swensen, whose smile was familiar to “Wizard of Oz” fans who attended the annual festival in Chesterton for two decades, died at age 94 in Texas on Nov. 23. She was the devoted wife of Clarence Swensen, who played a Munchkin soldier in the 1939 MGM film. He died in February 2009 on Myrna’s 83rd birthday. Clarence — who measured just 4-foot-1 — and his wife were favorites of fans. He was always easily recognizable at events since he wore a custom-tailored recreation of the Munchkin soldier suit, a replica of what he wore in the film, including a striped fez-like hat with a large plume. He and his wife, Myrna, who was also a little person but who did not appear in “The Wizard of Oz,” were married in 1945. Three daughters and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren survive the couple.