Celebrity chef Fabio Viviani was in high demand during a preview event Saturday night for LAGO, his new Lake Zurich restaurant. In between shaking hands and posing for photos with hundreds of guests, Viviani bused tables, helped the kitchen and bar staff members and grabbed a mop at one point to clean up a spill. Opening restaurants isn’t new for Viviani. His group, Fabio Viviani Hospitality, has over 40 concepts nationwide.

But this one is special because it’s in his backyard. “This is in my neighborhood, so it’s personal,” Viviani said. “We got a good turnout, it feels great.” Viviani, who lives in nearby Barrington Hills, held VIP events Saturday and Sunday with wine, cocktails and small bites to introduce the area to the restaurant at 350 N. Rand Road and to prepare for Monday’s official opening.