A new package of six cable spots for Leona’s, the Chicago Italian eatery chain, taps its greatest resource for inspiration: Leona’s colorful neighborhood customers.
Humorous stories, ranging from the urbane to the insane, comprise the campaign that features an amiable bartender telling patrons about some of the most memorable nights in Leona’s 61-year history.
“So a naked guy walks into the restaurant; everybody at the bar looks over and then looks back and returns to their conversation, completely unphased,” says the bartender, a.k.a. Leona’s marketing director Bill Trotter.
Being in front of a camera came easily to Trotter, who has been with Leona’s since 1990. A trained actor, with theatres degrees from two universities and a BA from Washington University, he did some local acting and improv after moving here from his native St. Louis. He’s been dubbed “the adopted Irish son” by Leona’s large Italian clan.
