Leona's Pizzeria & Restaurant
| Leona's Pizzeria & Restaurant | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Restaurant information | |
| Established | 1950 |
| Owner(s) | Billy Marino |
| Previous owner(s) | Leona Pianetto Molinaro Szemla |
| Street address | 3877 N Elston Ave |
| City | Chicago |
| State | Illinois |
| Postal/ZIP Code | 60618 |
| Country | United States |
| Other locations | 8315 Ogden Ave, Lyons, IL 60534 |
Leona's Pizzeria & Restaurant is a Chicago-style pizzeria in Chicago founded by Leona Pianetto Molinaro Szemla in 1950.
History
[edit]Leona worked at Pat's Pizza with her brother Pat Pianetto until a disagreement led her to branch off and start her own place.[1] The original location, at 928 W Belmont, was in the Lakeview neighborhood on Chicago's north side. The restaurant is known for its Chicago-style pizza and Italian food.[2] Leona's was a pioneer in the pizza delivery business. In the 1950s she purchased a small fleet of cars and mounted them with neon signs for delivery. The business grew fast, at one time boasting upwards of 140 delivery drivers.[3][4]
During the 1970s and 80s the restaurant expanded under the direction of Leona's grandson Leon Toia. Eventually the chain boasted upwards of 12 locations throughout the Chicago area and surrounding suburbs. In 2013, the family was looking to downsize and began seeking a possible buyer for the brand, eventually selling to Tania Makrakis in late 2013.[5] Under new ownership Leona's shrunk to two locations by 2021 after the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors resulted in a shift in the industry.[6]
In May 2022, the Leona's brand was acquired by Billy Marino, a local businessman. The Marino family has ties to the original Leona's where Billy's father worked and drove one of the famous delivery cars in the 1950s. Under the Marino family's management, Leona's is opening additional locations and restoring the iconic menu items that made the restaurant famous.[7]
Leona's hosts frequent fundraisers and donates to veterans and first responder groups.[8]
References
[edit]- ^ Fuller, Janet Rausa (February 8, 2019). "Chicago's 10 Oldest Pizzerias Are Full Of Delicious Secrets". Block Club Chicago. Archived from the original on January 3, 2024. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
- ^ "No surprise that Leona's still satisfies". Chicago Tribune. July 14, 2011. Archived from the original on 2024-01-03. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
- ^ "ALL IN THE FAMILY". Chicago Tribune. January 17, 1988. Archived from the original on 2024-01-03. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
- ^ "LEONA'S EXPANSION GROWS UNEXPECTEDLY". Chicago Tribune. October 2, 1987. Archived from the original on 2024-01-03. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
- ^ "Leona's Chain Sold to New Owner, But Family Keeps 63-Year-Old Original Spot". DNAinfo Chicago. Archived from the original on 2024-01-03. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
- ^ "Leona's to close three suburban restaurants | Crain's Chicago Business". Archived from the original on 2024-01-03. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
- ^ "Leona's pizza set to open in former Kojak's in McHenry location". Shaw Local. March 3, 2023. Archived from the original on January 3, 2024. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
- ^ "Leona's Pizzeria hosts fundraiser for 2 fallen CFD firefighters - CBS Chicago". www.cbsnews.com. April 21, 2023. Archived from the original on January 3, 2024. Retrieved January 3, 2024.