The First Restaurant Opens
Efren and Donata Giordano open their first location on West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, with just 12 tables and a recipe book filled with Southern Italian family secrets.
Since 1974
About Giordano's — Our Story
From a small family kitchen to an iconic destination for giordanos pizza lovers across United States, every dish we serve carries five decades of passion, craft, and love.
50+
Years of Craft
Our Story
How Giordanos Became a Beloved Tradition
It all began in 1974 when Efren and Donata Giordano arrived in Chicago with nothing but a suitcase and a recipe box passed down through three generations. Their dream was simple: to share the soulful, slow-cooked flavors of their hometown in Southern Italy with their new community.
What started as a tiny neighborhood spot quickly earned a reputation for giordano's deep-dish pizza — layers of premium cheese, hand-crushed tomatoes, and fillings sealed beneath a golden, flaky crust. Word spread, lines formed, and a legend was born.
Today, Giordanos serves guests across United States, staying true to the same recipes, the same quality standards, and the same warmth that Efren and Donata built into every single dish.
Original Recipes
Unchanged since 1974
Fresh Ingredients
Sourced daily, locally
Family Owned
Second generation leadership
Award Winning
Recognized since 1988
50+
Years in Business
2M+
Happy Guests Served
48+
Locations Nationwide
120+
Menu Items
4.8★
Average Rating
What We Stand For
Our Mission & Core Values
At Giordanos, great food is just the beginning. We believe in building community, honoring tradition, and feeding people with pride.
Our Mission
To deliver the authentic giordanos dining experience to every guest — whether they're a first-timer or a lifelong regular. We exist to bring people together around a table filled with honest, handcrafted food made with the finest ingredients.
Our Vision
To be the most trusted name in authentic Italian-American cuisine across United States — a brand where every meal feels like coming home. We envision a world where the giordano's tradition of slow-cooked, layered flavors is accessible to everyone.
Quality
We never compromise. Every ingredient is hand-selected, every recipe tested to perfection before it reaches your table.
Community
We are neighbors first. From local sourcing to neighborhood partnerships, we invest in the communities we serve.
Tradition
Our roots run deep. We honor the recipes, techniques, and stories passed down through generations of the Giordano family.
Sustainability
We care for tomorrow. Responsible sourcing, reduced waste, and eco-conscious packaging are core to how we operate.
giordanos Through the Decades
Our History & Key Milestones
Five decades of dedication, innovation, and love for great food — here's how Giordanos grew from a family dream into an American institution.
1974
1979
The Deep-Dish Legend Is Born
Donata perfects the now-iconic stuffed deep-dish crust recipe, creating the signature layered pizza that would define giordano's for generations. Lines wrap around the block.
1988
First Major Award
Chicago Magazine names Giordanos the city's best deep-dish pizza — a recognition that triggers national media attention and a new wave of loyal customers.
1997
Nationwide Expansion Begins
Riding a wave of demand, Giordanos opens its first out-of-state locations, bringing authentic giordanos pizza to guests across the Midwest and beyond.
2008
Second Generation Takes the Helm
Marco and Sofia Giordano, children of the founders, step into leadership, modernizing operations while fiercely protecting the original recipes and family values.
2015
Online Ordering & Delivery Launch
Giordanos embraces digital with a full online ordering platform and delivery service, making it easier than ever to enjoy our legendary dishes at home.
2024
50th Anniversary & Las Vegas Location
Celebrating half a century of great food, Giordanos opens its newest flagship at 3619 Las Vegas Blvd — bringing the classic giordano's experience to the heart of the Strip.
The People Behind the Pizza
Meet Our Leadership Team
Every great meal starts with great people. Our team brings decades of culinary passion and hospitality expertise to everything we do at Giordanos.
Marco Giordano
CEO & Co-Owner
Marco grew up in the restaurant, washing dishes at age 8 and learning every recipe by heart. He now leads the brand with the same hands-on dedication his parents instilled in him.
Sofia Giordano
Chief Operations Officer
Sofia holds an MBA from Northwestern and has spent 20 years refining Giordanos' operations. Her passion for efficiency never comes at the expense of quality or the guest experience.
Chef Antonio Russo
Executive Chef
Trained in Naples and mentored by Donata herself, Chef Antonio is the guardian of every giordanos recipe. He oversees all menu development and culinary standards across every location.
Lucia Chen
Head of Guest Experience
Lucia brings 15 years of hospitality leadership to Giordanos, ensuring every guest — from first-timers to loyal regulars — feels truly welcomed from the moment they walk through the door.