History of Salerno's

Joseph Salerno was born in the picturesque town of Castrolibero, nestled in the province of Cosenza, Calabria, Italy. In the family's modest two-room home, the air was always filled with the aromas of traditional Calabrian cuisine. It was here, surrounded by family and friends, that Joseph's passion for cooking took root. One of his fondest memories is of preparing pizza in the brick oven located in the backyard, a ritual that sparked his lifelong love for creating delicious food.

In 1957, seeking a better future for their family, Joseph's parents, Rosario and Francesca Salerno, embarked on a journey to America. After a long voyage, they arrived at Ellis Island and eventually made their way to Chicago, where they hoped to build a new life.

In 1966, Joseph, along with his brothers Vincenzo and Arnaldo, opened the Berwyn Tavern on the corner of 16th Street and Wesley in Berwyn. The tavern soon evolved into Salerno's Restaurant on 16th Street. Drawing from their roots, the brothers began experimenting with their cherished family pizza recipe, creating a thick-crust pizza that quickly became a local favorite. Their loyal customers were so impressed that they encouraged the Salerno brothers to broaden their menu to include other homemade Southern Italian dishes. While the brothers focused on perfecting their pizzas, their wives prepared an array of homemade pastas, sauces, meatballs, and sausages. It wasn't long before Salerno's pizza and hearty Italian dishes gained widespread acclaim.

As their reputation for quality food and warm hospitality grew, the family business expanded. New Salerno's Restaurant locations opened in St. Charles, Chicago, Bolingbrook, and Oak Park, each one maintaining the same commitment to serving authentic Italian cuisine made from the freshest ingredients.

Salerno's Restaurant has always prided itself on providing a memorable dining experience. We guarantee that our customers will leave satisfied, both in taste and in heart, thanks to our family-operated approach and dedication to quality.

The Salerno family tradition continues to thrive as the second generation follows in their forefathers' footsteps, opening new locations across the Chicagoland area. Thanks to our loyal customers, Salerno's Restaurant has been a beloved establishment for over fifty years. Your support has made us a cornerstone of the community and helped us share the flavors of Italy with countless families.