Frank and Paula Furnari had a dream when they purchased the former Country Inn restaurant in Gratiot County's Pine River Township about three years ago.

It took them a while but it has finally become a reality.

The two were living in Manistee when they saw the restaurant for sale. Now they have turned the eatery into Francesco's Italian-American Bistro.

"We were always going to do it, but it took some time making the plans and getting a liquor license," Paula Furnari said.

Earlier this year the restaurant, located on M-46 between Alma and St. Louis, was "completely gutted" and remodeled.

The project took about six weeks to complete. The restaurant reopened with a whole new look and menu in May.

"All that's left (from the orginal interior) are the walls," Paula said.

The casual to upscale bistro is now the "real deal" with authentic Italian pizza and cuisine.

"We thought the area needed something besides just diners," Paula said.

Her husband, who is the chef and runs the kitchen, has been in the restaurant business for 29 years.

"He owned his first when he was just 19," Paula said. "He's from Italy and his parents don't speak a word of English, but they are all very passionate about food. All his mother wants to do is feed you."

Everything Frank Furnari prepares is from authentic Italian recipes.

"Things we don't make from scratch are imported from Italy," said Paula, who makes all the desserts fresh daily and tends bar.

So far the change has worked well.

"Business is up 42 percent from when it was the Country Inn," Paula said. "It was just something we needed to do."

The restaurant, which has about 25 employees, also serves typical American food, such as steaks and seafood, and a has variety of salads, she added.

It also has espressos and cappuccinos and a full bar, something that wasn't available when it was the Country Inn.

The bistro is entirely smoke free.

Catering, box lunches, take- out orders and gift certificates are offered.

Reservations are also accepted, with weekends the busiest.

Paula thinks the restaurant has been successful because of the hands-on ownership.

"We are here all the time," she said. "We are independent. We're not like a franchise that has a manager running the place. We go out and talk to people."