DeKALB — Rosati’s Pizzeria, 930 Pappas Dr., is expected to open at the end of the month with a full service bar, owner Arturo Carlos said.

“I’m hoping, after we pass inspections, to be opened by Jan. 30 or 31 at the latest,” Carlos said.

The pizzeria’s location was previously occupied by Rosy’s Roadhouse, which was open from 2013 to 2016.

After a delay in acquiring the proper permits to pass inspection, the original opening date, Aug. 2016, was pushed back, but it did not go unnoticed by students.

“It’s taking forever,” senior psychology major Julie Roubal said. “They shouldn’t have advertised that it would be open first semester in 2016, and now it’s January, and it’s still half done.”

Roubal, who lives near Greek Row, said the location will be nice because it is close to students who are of-age to drink.

Rosati’s Pizzeria acquired a liquor license in March. This is good news for students who are looking forward to new additions to what they believe is a lacking bar scene in DeKalb.

“The bar scene in DeKalb basically sucks,” Roubal said. “It is unfortunate that there are only two bars close by for students. Obviously, there are bars in the downtown DeKalb area, but there isn’t transportation to get down there and safely travel back and forth.”

Maxwell Janczak, junior kinesiology major at University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, bartends at Kam’s, 618 E Daniel St., Champaign.

“[The bar scene] is pretty hectic,” Janczak said. “There’s not a day that goes by where you go out and see the bar [is] not crowded.”

Establishments that offer beer and liquor at NIU include Molly’s Eatery & Drinkery, 1000 W. Lincoln Highway., and Fatty’s Pub & Grill, 1312 W. Lincoln Highway, among others.

Rosati’s Pizzeria has been around the Chicagoland area since 1964. Being a household name, Carlos said he hopes that its popularity will attract students and DeKalb residents alike.

The final touches are being added to the restaurant within the next week.

“The TVs are being installed soon, and hopefully with the upcoming inspections early [this] week, we can be up and running by the end of the month,” Carlos said. “Residents familiar with the Rosati’s name will be able to enjoy our facilities soon.”

The pizzeria will offer carry-out, dine-in and delivery services for the full menu.

Morgan Fink is a staff writer. She can be reached at [email protected].