A Chicago pizzeria is celebrating a milestone today.
Vito and Nick’s Pizzeria at 8433 South Pulaski Road, has been in the same family, under different business names, since 1920.
It was started by immigrants from Sicily.
The current owner, Rose Barraco George, granddaughter of the founders, says consistency is a reason for success all those years.
Reviews have been consistently good.
The first location was Congress and Polk in 1920.
“My grandmother made spaghetti, pasta and sandwiches,” She said, “but at that point it was a speakeasy.”
There were other locations before Vito and Nick’s moved to 84th and Pulaski.
Rose has been involved since she was about 5-years-old.
“My grandmother, we were in the kitchen, she says, ‘you have to watch me, watch everything I do.’”
She told us she’s always loved being part of the business.
She’s backing off the day-to-day now, leaving that to the fourth and fifth generations.
The thin crust pizzas started in the mid-forties.
“1945 when Dad got home from World War Two.”
She said the recipe has not changed.
How has the business lasted so long?
“I think it’s consistency and a love for what you do.”
She said her Dad gave her two pieces of wisdom.
“Never, ever vary the quality of your product and remember you’re here for the working-class person.”
The pizzeria is having an outdoor anniversary celebration from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.