Aurelio's Pizza Through the Decades

Nearly 58 years ago, in Homewood, Illinois, Joe Aurelio opened the first Aurelio’s Pizza restaurant. Back then, pizza was a new concept, but Joe had faith it would take off. Joe worked 24/7, filling the functions of cook, waiter, and delivery guy, as well as running the day to day operations of the business. Aurelio’s Pizza’s reputation of quality and customer loyalty was growing, building the business along with it.

Before long, Joe had to expand the kitchen and dining areas to accommodate his growing business. Joe was always there, whether in the kitchen or out in the dining room, making people feel like part of the family. It was in the 1960’s that the slogan “Tell “em Joe Sent Me” originated, because everyone who came in the door felt like they knew Joe. Even today, nearly 60 years later, Aurelio’s mobile app rewards program is called “Tell ‘em Joe Sent Me”!

By the mid ‘70’s, Aurelio’s Pizza started adding franchises, with locations in Joliet, IL and Scottsdale AZ. In 1976, Joe purchased the old warehouse on Harwood Avenue in Homewood, IL that eventually became the flagship restaurant, complete with vintage stained glass, Chicago artifacts, and multiple levels of seating. The 16,000 square foot showplace was the world’s largest pizzeria at the time, and thousands of customers flocked to Aurelio’s, creating great memories and traditions still carried on today.

Fast forward 10 years and you’ll see Aurelio’s continued expansion, adding 10 locations in 3 states. Indiana and Minnesota finally got a taste of Aurelio’s Pizza! Innovations during the 80’s included Mama Aurelio’s Spinach Calabrese and the 6” Lil’ Pie, created especially for lunches and sporting events. Fast forward another 10 years and see 11 new locations as far west as Nevada. Menu innovations included the Taco, BBQ Chicken, and Hawaiian Pizzas. Technology came into play in the 90’s as Aurelio’s launched their first website.

December 18, 2001 was a sad day as Aurelio’s Founder, Joseph A. Aurelio, Jr. passed away after decades of heart trouble. His legacy lives on as an innovative entrepreneur who built a pizza empire through hard work, focus on quality, and a love of family, life and, community. Joe is remembered for creating the best pizza on the planet, and passes the torch on to his only son, Joe.

Today, Aurelio’s “Tell ‘em Joe SentMe” rewards program is a huge part of our smartphone app, our Facebook page has over 28,000 fans, and our new Quality Control Program is improving brand consistency and quality throughout the system. We are looking forward to the next 50 plus years, and hope to see you soon. Tell ‘em Joe sent you!