Give two local guys with significant experience 15,000+ square feet of empty space  to design the restaurant of their dreams — then add live music — and you get Scacchetti’s Italian Steakhouse.

Manager Kevin Thomas enjoyed success as part of a team creating one of the area’s most popular eateries; for several years, chef Tony Scacchetti ran his own place in Austintown, which was known for good food and good crowds. They started talking about starting a new restaurant in 2007.

The former Nemenz Value King in the Value City plaza near Rte.  680 on 224 had been sitting vacant for 11 years. It had great access and parking, and more space than you would want, unless you let your dreams expand a bit.

Scacchetti’s Italian Steakhouse opened its doors in June of 2008 to a surprisingly spacious, modern contemporary interior. A 14′-wide fountain in the lobby sets the tone. “We wanted to make something special that wasn’t over-the-top,” Thomas explained. And Tony’s food is drawing the same rave reviews at the new restaurant.

They have seating for 450 and a banquet room which can host 100. The 55′-long bar, separate from the dining area, also has small tables for casual dining. Reservations are recommended for daily dinner hours 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (11 on Fri. and Sat.) with a Sunday buffet 11-3.

They started cautiously with music in October. “The response was fantastic,” Thomas said, “and our involvement just kept growing. Typically people have dinner and then adjourn to the bar to enjoy cocktails and the music.” Live music is featured Wednesday (Sinatra Night), Thursday (jazz), and popular local bands Friday and Saturday.

“We are also going to introduce some terrific new bands to our clients,” Thomas says.

Good food and good music are a winning combination for Scacchetti’s Italian Steakhouse.