North Rose family to reopen Emile’s Restaurant under new name

Owner Bob Jaynes of Geneva said he has agreed to sell the iconic Border City restaurant to Tracy Johnson and her son, Bruce Johnson, both of North Rose.

“I wish them the best of luck. It will be an Italian restaurant in a nice location. They are doing some minor remodeling and waiting for their liquor license,” Jaynes said.

Tracy Johnson said she will manage the new restaurant, which will be called BG’s Italian Restaurant, named after Bruce Johnson and his girlfriend, Grace.

“We are not in the restaurant business now so this will be a new venture,” she said. “Bruce has done catering work and short order cooking. Grace will be the hostess. We don’t plan any major changes to the interior or exterior and want to use art from local high schools and colleges in our decor.”

Johnson said they hope to open by the middle or end of September.