WEST FRANKFORT - Chef Jeremy Castellano is leaving Castellano House at the Franklin County Country Club to open his own restaurant, perhaps in downtown West Frankfort.

Castellano House, which Castellano operated with Randy and Debbie House, closed Thursday. The Houses could not be reached for comment.

Castellano said he intends to be the sole owner of his next business.

"I want to get out there on my own," he said.

Castellano said he has looked at a number of buildings downtown in West Frankfort and gotten approved for a loan to buy what he considers the perfect spot.

What he now needs is $50,000 to put down so the loan will be interest free, he said.

Castellano has started securing gift cards at the prices of $500 and $1,000 for those interested in getting the VIP treatment at his new restaurant, which he has yet to name.

He intends to use the money from those pre-sold cards toward payment on his building.

Castellano said under his own roof, he will be better able to concentrate on his skills of making hand-made pastas and contemporary Italian cuisine.

"I have to thank these people who have supported me," he said. "Everybody in West Frankfort and Benton has been very loyal. People come from Marion and from the hospital, the union guys, and down here at Crownline."

Castellano said he hopes the community continues to support him.

"I want to stay here in town," he said. "I want to be able to do it here."

Castellano said he is going to work on getting the gift certificates out. Anyone interested can call him at 218-6420.

West Frankfort Mayor Marion Presley said he is all for Castellano's business moving downtown. Presley said the food is good, and he believes it could be something to attract more people to town.

"He's a good chef, and he knows the food business," Presley said. "He would be excellent here in town. I wish he would bring it here. People go out other places and have their steaks, but we need something right here."

Castellano said he is hoping that he can be just what the city needs.

"People have been really good to me," he said. "I have to thank Southern Illinois for really helping me out. Randy and Debbie House helped me to reach that first step of my dream. Now, I'm moving on up."

tara.fasol@thesouthern.com / 351-5824