(BOCA RATON, FL – June 1, 2009) – The BOVA Group celebrated the Grand Opening of BOVA Cucina located at 1901 North Military Trail (in the new Wyndham Hotel) in Boca Raton  on Thursday, May 28th. Formerly Mario’s of Boca, BOVA Cucina launched its new name and design with an action-packed Grand Opening event which included Ronnie Brown presenting a VIP experience to Max Costanzo, a Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Southern Florida Kid. Over 500 guests attended the event, many of which included long time patrons and supporters of the restaurant while it was Mario’s of Boca for the last 24 years.

“Our grand opening event was a huge success and it felt great to have all of our long time customers welcome the new restaurant and share this launch with them,” said Tony BOVA, co-owner of BOVA Cucina and The BOVA Group. “We were especially honored to have Max and Ronnie at the celebration.”

Guests were greeted by The BOVA Panthers Ice Dancers and enjoyed an assortment of passed signature specialties and cocktails.  A variety of performers entertained partygoers throughout the evening including stilt walkers and mimes. The most noteworthy experience of the evening was with Ronnie Brown and Max Costanzo, a twelve year old Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida Kid. Ronnie Brown presented Costanzo with a special VIP package which included an official NFL football which had both Ronnie Brown and Jason Taylor’s signatures; five club seat tickets to a Miami Dolphins football game and pre-game on-field passes; and an Italian feast for Max and his family at BOVA Cucina. 

“Max has faced many challenges in his young life and will face even greater challenges in the future. We are extremely grateful to BOVA Cucina, Ronnie Brown, The Dolphins and Make-a-Wish Foundation for an incredible event. It is such great organizations and people that make the world a bit easier for my son and others like him,” said Fernando and Rosa Costanzo, parents of Max Costanzo. “While we can never change what Max will go through in his lifetime, experiences such as last Thursday night at the BOVA Cucina grand opening brought a lot of joy and an experience he will never forget.  He felt on top of the world. He is very appreciative and realizes how fortunate he was to have been part of the Bova Cucina/Ronnie Brown VIP experience.”

“The Make-A-Wish Foundation thanks the wonderful folks at BOVA Cucina and Dolphins Running Back Ronnie Brown for providing a VIP experience for Max, one of our awesome wish kids.  Every child deserves to be a VIP and everyone associated with this experience gave Max something he will remember forever,” said Richard Kelly, Vice-President/COO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida.

Offering the finest Southern Italian cuisine in a comfortable and casual setting, BOVA Cucina is famous for its chicken scarpiello, lasagna, eggplant pancakes, veal and chicken parmigiana, signature gorgonzola house salad, garlic rolls and bread sticks.  A local Italian favorite, BOVA Cucina has maintained a superior quality of service and food for twenty-four years. Open for lunch and dinner, the restaurant also offers custom catering and a take out menu.  BOVA Cucina’s private dining room seats up to 50 people and the restaurant’s indoor and alfresco dining accommodates up to 350.  Equipped with overhead display screen and internet capabilities, BOVA Cucina is perfect for business lunches and meetings. 

Located at 1901 N. Military Trail at the new Wyndham Garden Hotel in Boca Raton, BOVA Cucina’s hours of operation are Sunday-Thursday, from 11:30a.m.- 9:30p.m. and Friday – Saturday, from 11:30a.m - 10:30p.m.  The lunch buffet is available Monday-Friday from 11:30a.m. - 2:30p.m.  For reservations, please call 561-392-5595.