History & Development of Bona
Bona Italian has a long 40+ year history right here in Wilton Manors. In 1979 we opened our doors as a single stall Pizzeria. Over the years we expanded into a Full Service Italian restaurant and most recently in 2021 we've opened Aperitivo Lounge at Bona which is our Craft Cocktail Bar offering small bites and libations.
There have been many guardians of Bona over decades. Most recently Mark Byrd and Glen Weinzimer have taken the helm and guided Bona since December of 2016. Mark and Glen lead with their hearts and are passionate about serving the local community. Under their guidance Bona has continued to grow, develop, and serve the community.
Community Giveback & Environmental Responsibility
At our Core is a Mission to Give Back to the Community. One of our primary opportunities to do this is through Give Back Monday. Every Monday we choose a non-profit serving the local community and donate 10% of all dine-in and take-out orders back to that organization.
Environmental sustainability is also at the Heart of Bona's Mission. In this effort we have eliminated all styrofoam as well as plastic bags, replaced plastic straws with Pasta Straws and continue to work to reduce our use of other single use plastics across the restaurant at every step from our distributors down to our guests. As part of this environmental effort we have also increased our plant based and vegan options including meat substitutes and plant powered dishes.
Meet the team
Get to know the people behind Bona!
Glen Weinzimer
OwnerA true native New Yorker who relocated to Florida in 1984 and spent much of his career in hospitality. Glen has always been philanthropically active, believing that doing good, is just GOOD. This goes for his non-profit The SMART Ride which has raised over $15 Million in the past 19 years.
Glen and his business partner, Mark; believe every guest should feel welcomed at Bona Italian Restaurant and to feel like family by the time they leave. Quality, freshness, and giving back has been at the core to Bona Italian’s success since they took over in 2016. Glen said “being part of a socially diverse community that is welcoming to all, is our goal”, returning our appreciation through our Give Back Monday’s to local non-profits our community cares about has returned over $75,000 in the past 7 years.
We look forward to welcoming you to Bona
Mark Byrd
OwnerMark has spent most of his career working in the restaurant business. From fine dining restaurants, clubs, and restaurants in high traffic and tourist destinations. Born in Alabaster Alabama, Mark grew up in Northern Florida. Mark as partner at Bona Italian focuses not just on the customer experience but his strength is in procuring the freshest ingredients, maintaining our quality control and being the “MacGyver of everything”.
Mark and Glen have known each other for over 3 decades and this venture is their first true business collaboration outside of The SMART Ride. Mark also believes in the importance of our community and being involved and supportive with so many organizations from The Gay Men’s Chorus to the Bears of South Florida, from the Humanity project to Equality Florida.
Renee
ChefChef Rene joined us in 2021 and quickly became the chef at Bona Italian, he has led his team to produce some of the best Italian in the area. His innovations allow us to have specials ever changing on the menu.