Our Story

About Giordanos —
The giordano's Legacy

Since 1974, Giordanos has been serving Chicago's most beloved deep dish pizza. Born from an Italian family recipe, grown into an American icon.

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1974
Founded in Chicago
50+
Years of Tradition
65+
Locations Nationwide
10M+
Pizzas Served
Giordanos restaurant dining room with warm lighting and classic decor
50+
Years of Legacy
Our Story

How giordanos Became
Chicago's Favorite

It all began in 1974 when Efren and Joseph Boglio opened a small pizzeria on Chicago's north side. Inspired by their mother Mama Giordano's recipe from the Piedmont region of Italy, the brothers crafted a deep dish pizza unlike anything Chicago had ever tasted — stuffed with layers of mozzarella, savory fillings, and a rich tomato sauce poured over the top.

"Mama always said, if you make it with love and the best ingredients, people will come back every time. She was right."
— Joseph Boglio, Co-Founder

Word spread fast. Lines formed down the block. Within a decade, Giordanos had grown from a single neighborhood spot into a beloved Chicago institution, earning praise from food critics, loyal regulars, and visitors who made it their first stop in the city. Today, with over 65 locations across the United States, the spirit of giordano's remains as warm and authentic as that first pie from 1974.

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What Drives Us

Our Mission & Core Values

Every pizza we make, every customer we serve — it all comes back to these foundational beliefs that have guided Giordanos for over five decades.

Made with Love

Every giordanos pizza is hand-crafted with the same passion Mama Giordano poured into her original recipe. No shortcuts, no compromises.

Fresh Ingredients

We source the finest ingredients daily — hand-crushed California tomatoes, whole-milk mozzarella, and premium toppings from trusted local suppliers.

Community First

Giordanos was born in a neighborhood and has always given back. We partner with local food banks, schools, and community events across every city we serve.

Unwavering Quality

From our kitchens to your table, every step is guided by strict quality standards. The same recipe, the same care — whether it's location #1 or #65.

History

Our Journey Through the Years

From a single storefront on Chicago's north side to a nationally recognized giordano's pizza brand — here's how it all unfolded.

1974

The First Slice

Brothers Efren and Joseph Boglio open the first Giordanos on Chicago's north side, serving Mama Giordano's legendary stuffed deep dish pizza recipe brought over from Piedmont, Italy.

1979

Chicago's Best Pizza Award

Giordanos wins its first "Best Deep Dish Pizza" award from the Chicago Tribune, cementing its reputation as the city's premier deep dish destination and drawing visitors from across the country.

1988

Expanding Across Chicago

Riding on overwhelming demand, Giordanos opens its 10th Chicago location and launches its first corporate catering program, bringing the giordanos pizza experience to events and offices citywide.

1997

Going National

Giordanos crosses state lines, opening locations in Florida and Indiana, bringing Chicago's authentic deep dish tradition to new audiences while maintaining the same handcrafted quality in every kitchen.

2008

Online Ordering Launches

Embracing the digital age, Giordanos launches online ordering, making it easier than ever to bring the giordano's deep dish experience home. Delivery and pickup orders surge within the first year.

2024

50 Years of Deep Dish

Giordanos celebrates its 50th anniversary with over 65 locations nationwide, a new flagship Chicago location, and the same original family recipe that started it all — still made fresh every single day.

What We Stand For

The Principles Behind Every Pizza

These aren't just words on a wall — they're the standards every Giordanos team member lives by, from the kitchen to the front door.

Passion

We put everything into our craft. Every dough stretch, every cheese layer, every bake — it's done with a level of dedication that goes far beyond just a job.

Integrity

Honest ingredients, honest pricing, honest service. We never cut corners or substitute quality to increase margins — our customers deserve the real thing.

Innovation

While we honor our heritage, we embrace new ideas — seasonal specials, dietary accommodations, new technologies — always in service of a better experience.

Hospitality

From the moment you walk in — or place an order online — we want every Giordanos interaction to feel like a warm welcome from an old friend.

The People Behind the Pizza

Meet Our Leadership Team

Great pizza starts with great people. Our leadership team brings decades of passion, culinary expertise, and Chicago pride to everything we do at Giordanos.

Marco DiVito, Chief Executive Officer at Giordanos
CEO

Marco DiVito

20+ years of restaurant leadership. Marco joined Giordanos in 2008 and has overseen the brand's national expansion while keeping quality and tradition at the forefront.

Sofia Marchetti, Head Chef and Culinary Director at Giordanos
Head Chef

Sofia Marchetti

Trained in Naples and Chicago, Sofia is the guardian of the original Giordanos recipe. She oversees all menu development and ensures every kitchen upholds Mama Giordano's standards.

James Kowalski, Director of Operations at Giordanos
Operations Director

James Kowalski

A Chicago native and 15-year Giordanos veteran, James ensures every location runs smoothly and consistently — from ingredient sourcing to the moment a pizza leaves the oven.

Ava Chen, Marketing Director at Giordanos
Marketing Director

Ava Chen

Ava leads the brand story of Giordanos, connecting the legacy of giordano's deep dish pizza with new generations of fans through digital innovation and authentic storytelling.

Taste the Giordanos Difference

Fifty years of deep dish tradition, crafted fresh and delivered to your door. Order your giordanos pizza today.

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