GSBDC Assists Basil Leaf Ristorante

Rudolph DiRubbo, owner of Basil Leaf Ristorante, purchased the former Fresno’s Restaurant building at 3920 Brewerton Road in North Syracuse in late 2013. The new facility has allowed them to double their seating from 95 to 189 with a large open dining room and bar.

They are now open seven days a week and offer liquor as the new location permitted them to obtain a liquor license.

The building required some minor renovations and upgrades and is approximately a half mile from their former location at 101 S. Main Street in North Syracuse. The former facility was comprised of several different rooms creating a cramped appearance and was very difficult to manage.  Parking is much more convenient with 85 spaces on site.

M&T Bank provided financing for 50% of the total project cost, with GSBDC providing 40% through the SBA 504 program with Mr. DiRubbo being responsible for an equity contribution of just 10%. Brannan Karg, Banking Officer, M&T Bank commented “It was a pleasure to work with Rudy to help finance this project. M&T Bank is happy to have helped a local business expand their restaurant business and allow Basil Leaf Ristorante to add 7 full time jobs.  We look forward to continuing to work with Rudy and wish him continued success.”

The restaurant is a traditional Italian restaurant committed to quality ingredients and authentic Italian taste. They serve both lunch and dinner and the menu include antipastis, soup, sides and salads as well as pasta, chicken veal, fish and steak entrees.

Mr. DiRubbo stated “the program helped me to keep the down payment to a minimum.  I was able to purchase the building and complete the needed renovations and double my business. The staff at GSBDC were knowledgeable and very helpful in obtaining what I needed to succeed”.

They previously employed just 14 but with the expanded facility they’ve added 7 full time equivalent positions with the following part-time positions: 18 waitresses, 6 hostesses, 5 chefs, 5 bussers, 6 bartenders and over 10 back of house employees such as dishwashers and prep cooks.