CHICAGO (CBS) — As production ramps up for the Chicago version of VH1’s “Mob Wives,” there has been plenty of drama behind the scenes.

“Mob Wives Chicago” follows the lives of five women allegedly connected to “The Outfit,” as they bear the cross for the sins of their Mob-associated fathers.

Several restaurants have said they won’t welcome the cast there. The Italian-American Human Relations Foundation of Chicago has vowed to protest any business that supports the show, saying it undermines Italian American heritage.

And one restaurant that welcomed the cast with open arms came under fire, according to a report in the Chicago Sun-Times.

Predictably, cast member Leah DeSimone welcomed the dust-up

@djdvs34 @chiarasoprano1 dam right I draw fire! Stay tuned my peeps—
Leah DeSimone (@LeahDeSimone) April 04, 2012

And came to the defense of the restaurant owner Rich Mazzulla, owner of Baciami! Restaurant and Bar. …

RTLet's all give a big salud2 Elmwood park &Taylor St. compliments of Bacami, Richie Mazz #chicagomobwives-gave em' some Leah d Taylor styll—
Leah DeSimone (@LeahDeSimone) April 04, 2012

The show’s premiere is scheduled for June.

The cast as described in a VH-1 press release:

RENEE FECAROTTA RUSSO: She was raised by her uncle, “Big John” Fecarotta, following the death of her father. An alleged loan collector and hit man for “The Outfit,” Fecarotta was Renee’s mentor and best friend until being gunned down by fellow mobster Nick Calabrese.

NORA SCHWEIHS: Nora’s father, Frank “The German” Schweihs, was reputed to be one of the most notorious hit men for the Mob.

PIA RIZZA: Pia father was Vincent Rizza, a dirty Chicago cop who worked for the Mob, testified against the Mob and then went into the Witness Protection Program.

CHRISTINA SCOLERI: Christina is the daughter of Raymond Janek, a one-time thief and alleged fence for the Mob.

LEAH DESIMONE: Leah is the daughter of William “Wolf” DeSimone, a supposed “associate” of the Mob.