Giordano's

Giordano's is a prominent American restaurant chain renowned for its signature deep-dish pizza. Founded in 1974 by immigrant brothers from Italy, the chain has grown from a single location on Chicago's South Side to a nationally recognized brand. Its distinctive stuffed pizza, characterized by a thick crust, generous layers of cheese, and chunky tomato sauce, has made it a culinary icon and a major tourist destination in its hometown.

History

The story of Giordano's begins with brothers Efren and Joseph Boglio, who emigrated from Torino, Italy, to Chicago in the late 1960s. Inspired by recipes from their native Piedmont region, particularly a stuffed Easter pie known as "pizza rustica," they opened their first restaurant in 1974 on the city's South Side. The venture quickly gained a loyal following for its unique take on deep-dish pizza, which had been popularized in the city by establishments like Pizzeria Uno and Pizzeria Due. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the company expanded steadily throughout the Chicago metropolitan area, becoming a staple of the local dining scene. In 1998, the chain underwent a significant change in ownership when it was purchased by John Apostolou, who accelerated its growth. This expansion included a notable push into the Florida market and the launch of a successful frozen food line available in major grocery chains across the United States.

Cuisine

Giordano's is celebrated for its signature stuffed deep-dish pizza, a variant of Chicago-style pizza that features a buttery flaky crust forming a deep pan, layered with copious amounts of mozzarella and other fillings, and topped with a seasoned, chunky tomato sauce. Popular menu items include the "Special," loaded with sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, and onions, and the "Spinach" pizza. Beyond its iconic pizza, the menu features a range of Italian-American cuisine, including thin-crust pizza, pasta dishes like baked mostaccioli, Italian beef sandwiches, and salads such as the classic Antipasto salad. The chain also offers a selection of desserts, including its own version of the chocolate chip cookie pizza.

Locations

While its roots are deeply embedded in Chicago, Giordano's has expanded its footprint significantly. The chain operates numerous company-owned and franchised locations, primarily concentrated in Illinois, Indiana, Florida, and Minnesota. Key markets include downtown Chicago—with prominent spots near Michigan Avenue and Wrigley Field—as well as Orlando, Tampa, and Miami. The expansion into Florida has been particularly successful, catering to both tourists and transplanted Midwesterners. Internationally, Giordano's has also operated locations in the Middle East, including Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, though its core identity remains tied to the American Midwest.

In popular culture

Giordano's has cemented its status as a cultural touchstone, frequently featured in media and embraced by celebrities. It has been highlighted on numerous Food Network programs, including Man v. Food and The Best Thing I Ever Ate, often in episodes focusing on Chicago. The pizza is a favorite of many notable figures, with public endorsements from personalities like Oprah Winfrey and actors from the film *Chicago*. It regularly appears in "best pizza" lists compiled by publications such as USA Today and The Chicago Tribune. Furthermore, the brand maintains a strong presence during major Chicago events, serving as a popular catering choice for gatherings related to the Chicago Cubs, the Chicago Bears, and Lollapalooza.

See also

* Pizzeria Uno * Lou Malnati's * Gino's East * Chicago-style pizza * Italian-American cuisine * Food Network

Category:Restaurant chains in the United States Category:Pizza chains Category:Companies based in Chicago Category:Italian-American cuisine Category:1974 establishments in Illinois