ERIN EDGEMON, Post Columnist
Posted: Sunday, March 28, 2010 12:01 am

A new taste of Italian cuisine is coming to Murfreesboro.

Antonio’s Little Italy is slated to open near the corner of Old Fort Parkway and Cason Lane in the Kroger shopping center. Owner Sam Youssef is hoping for a June opening.

The restaurant will serve authentic, homemade Italian food made from fresh ingredients, Youssef said.

Menu items will include eggplant parmesan, meatballs, chicken parmesan, chicken alfredo, chicken caesar salad, creamy potato soup and orzo soup with chicken. Some of the desserts are cheesecake, baklava and tiramisu.

Antonio’s Little Italy also will serve cappuccino, espresso and other hot drinks.

Most menu items will be priced at $7.50-$8, which Youssef said will hopefully encourage more people to eat out during these economic times.

When asked why he decided to open a restaurant in Murfreesboro, Youssef said Murfreesboro is a growing area, located near his home.

“I think Murfreesboro needs a good Italian restaurant with a good price,” he said. “People need good food, a good meal with a good price. People in Murfreesboro deserve that.”

Youssef owns Greek Café Grill restaurants in Cool Springs and Brentwood. He opened his first restaurant in 2002. Youssef has previously worked in Italian restaurants in New York City.

•••

Beginning April 1, there will be a new public transportation service in Rutherford County.

LiJon Transit Group will provide shuttle service in Woodbury, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, La Vergne and to the bus station and airport in Nashville, said owner Charles Treece. Shuttles are accessible to those with disabilities.

Routes are currently being set. For more information, call 410-3544 or visit www.lijontransitgroup.com beginning April 1.

“We are really trying to help lower income citizens that have a job but can’t afford the day to day stretches of transportation,” Treece said.

LiJon Transit Group is looking to partner with area nonprofit groups in order to provide transportation to those they serve, he said, adding that the company will supplement the services already being offered by Rover, Murfreesboro’s public transit system, and Mid-Cumberland Transit System.

Treece said he formed the company after his wife, who works at the Tennessee Rehabilitation Service in Smyrna, saw a need for this type of transit service. Some needed routes were not accessible to patients.

When up and running in April, routes will run from 6:30 a.m.-7 p.m. on the weekdays. The shuttle service also will run different hours on the weekends.

LiJon Transit Group’s shuttle service is an expansion of LiJon Limousine Service, which has been in operation since 2003. The company is currently in negotiations of opening a transportation hub.

Want your new business featured in The Edge? Send an e-mail to Erin Edgemon at eedgemon@murfreesboropost.com.