Aurelio's Pizza facts for kids
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![]() A pepperoni pizza from Aurelio's
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Franchised | |
Industry | Restaurants, Pizza |
Founded | 1959Homewood, Illinois | in
Headquarters | Homewood, Illinois, USA |
Aurelio's Pizza is a well-known pizza chain that started in Illinois. It's famous for its special thin crust Chicago-style pizza. Aurelio's Pizza has a few company-owned stores and many others that are run as franchises in six different states. It holds the record as the oldest Chicago pizza restaurant to offer franchises, starting way back in 1974.
Contents
The Story of Aurelio's Pizza
How It All Began
The story of Aurelio's Pizza began with a family. In 1952, James Aurelio opened a pizza place called The Italian Village in Macomb, Illinois. A few years later, his nephew, Joe Aurelio Jr., came to Macomb to help out at the restaurant.
Joe Aurelio's Vision
In 1959, Joe Aurelio Jr. moved back to the Chicago area. He decided to open his very own pizza restaurant. He named it Aurelio's. It was a small place with only four tables on Ridge Road in Homewood. Both James's and Joe's restaurants were known for their special thin crust pizza. This pizza was cut into square pieces, which is a classic "Chicago style" way of slicing.
A Family Tradition Continues
The company's slogan, or motto, is "Aurelio's is Pizza!" This shows how much they believe in their delicious food. Over the years, Aurelio's Pizza grew from that small four-table spot into a popular chain. It became a place where many families enjoy a classic Chicago-style pizza.
What Makes Aurelio's Special
Aurelio's Pizza is best known for its unique thin-crust pizza. This style of pizza is a favorite for many people in the Chicago area. They also offer a dish called "calabrese." Most people know this as a calzone, which is like a folded pizza filled with tasty ingredients.