LF/LB Chamber: Tell us a bit about yourself,  Bruno, and Follia

Bruno: I was born in Naples and raised in Milan, where I grew up surrounded by food and fashion. My mother was an incredible cook, and my father was a tailor—together they taught me to appreciate beauty, craftsmanship, and detail. I started my first company in Milan, selling fish and caviar to high-end restaurants, and later traveled the world learning about fine cuisine and design.

When I came to Chicago, I wanted to bring a piece of Italy with me—authentic flavors, honest ingredients, and a modern sense of style. I opened my first restaurant, Follia, in the Fulton Market district 25 years ago. I’m excited to bring that same spirit to Lake Forest with a new Follia, a place where people can experience true Italian hospitality.

LF/LB: What inspired you to open up a location in Lake Forest?

Bruno: To be honest, I like a challenge. After many years and wonderful friendships in Lake Forest, people kept asking me to bring something authentic to their community. I met the Altounian family, who helped me find the perfect space on Western Avenue, and it just felt right.

I already had Tocco in Winnetka, and most people thought I was a little crazy to open another restaurant—but that’s where the name Follia, meaning “madness” in Italian, comes from. For me, it’s a joyful kind of madness—the passion and drive to keep creating, to keep sharing, and to do something beautiful for others. Lake Forest has such a special energy, and I wanted to be part of that.

LF/LB: What is your vision for hope for the future of your business?

Bruno: My vision has always been to create experiences that celebrate Italian culture—authentic, elegant, and full of heart. I want every restaurant to be a place where guests feel transported to Italy, not just through the food but through the atmosphere, design, and hospitality.

Beyond that, I hope to continue mentoring young chefs and staff, teaching them not only how to cook but how to take pride in their craft. Good food is about respect—for ingredients, for tradition, and for people. That’s the future I want to keep building.

LF/LB: Tell us about the Recipe for Change nonprofit you founded and the important work you are doing in the community.

Bruno: Recipe for Change is very close to my heart. I founded it to teach culinary arts, visual arts, and life skills to men and women inside Cook County Jail. The goal is to restore dignity, hope, and a sense of responsibility through creativity and craftsmanship.

Since we began, thousands of detainees have gone through the program, and many have successfully rebuilt their lives after release. I always say, when you create something beautiful—whether it’s a meal, a piece of art, or a song—you begin to heal what’s broken inside.

Last year, I had the incredible honor of meeting Pope Francis at the Vatican. I brought with me a piece of art made by one of the detainees—a painting of the Virgin Mary. When I gave it to the Pope, he became emotional. I asked him, “Does God call everyone?” and he said, “Yes—but not everyone answers the phone.” That moment reminded me why this work matters so deeply.

LF/LB: Is there anything else you’d like to share about your business?

Bruno: I’m very proud of Tocco in Winnetka, which has been thriving since 2019. We’ve also licensed the Tocco name to a location at O’Hare Airport, where travelers can enjoy our signature pinsa bread. Crafted in the Roman tradition, Tocco pinsa is now being shared at select venues across the country, bringing our story to new audiences.

Once, I asked my father what I should do with my life, and he told me, “Whatever you do, don’t open a restaurant.” I often wonder what he would think today. I hope he’d be proud—not just of the restaurants and our bread, but also of Recipe for Change, and of passing on to the detainees the same honest, hardworking values I learned from him.

For me, every project is about bringing people together—through love, food, culture, and just a touch of follia.