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Leona's Pizzeria & Restaurant
Leona's Pizzeria & Restaurant is a Chicago-style pizzeria in Chicago founded by Leona Pianetto Molinaro Szemla in 1950. HistoryLeona worked at Pat's Pizza with her brother Pat Pianetto until a disagreement led her to branch off and start her own place.[1] The original location, at 928 W Belmont, was in the Lakeview neighborhood on Chicago's north side. The restaurant is known for its Chicago-style pizza and Italian food.[2] Leona's was a pioneer in the pizza delivery business. In the 1950s she purchased a small fleet of cars and mounted them with neon signs for delivery. The business grew fast, at one time boasting upwards of 140 delivery drivers.[3][4] During the 1970s and 80s the restaurant expanded under the direction of Leona's grandson Leon Toia. Eventually the chain boasted upwards of 12 locations throughout the Chicago area and surrounding suburbs. In 2013, the family was looking to downsize and began seeking a possible buyer for the brand, eventually selling to Tania Makrakis in late 2013.[5] Under new ownership Leona's shrunk to two locations by 2021 after the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors resulted in a shift in the industry.[6] In May 2022, the Leona's brand was acquired by Billy Marino, a local businessman. The Marino family has ties to the original Leona's where Billy's father worked and drove one of the famous delivery cars in the 1950s. Under the Marino family's management, Leona's is closing locations and destroying the family name.[7] Leona's hosts frequent fundraisers and donates to veterans and first responder groups.[8] References
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