The Original Gino’s East of Chicago, celebrating its 40th Anniversary, announced Chicago Cubs catcher Michael Barrett has joined the restaurant “team” for 2007. Barrett will be a spokesman for the pizzeria that is famous for Chicago deep dish pizza and will make several personal appearances at Gino’s East restaurants during the year.
          Barrett was first introduced to fans at Wrigley Field in 2004 and quickly became known to many as Chicago’s favorite catcher. In 2005, he won the Silver Slugger Award, given to the best offensive catcher in Major League Baseball. He also hit 16 home runs in 2005 to rank second in the National League among catchers and placed second among fans in balloting for the 2005 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. Barrett was a member of the 2006 Team USA World Baseball Classic roster and finished the 2006 season batting above .300 for the first time in his career. 
          Barrett is a devoted father and husband and focuses his charitable efforts on children. He has worked closely with Make-a-Wish-Foundation and Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago to benefit children in need.          
          “Michael is a great role model and a great friend to Gino’s East,” said president Jeffrey Himmel. “We are delighted that Michael calls Gino’s East deep dish his ‘favorite pizza,’ and we are privileged to have him on the Gino’s East team.”
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The Original Gino’s East of Chicago – add one
          The Original Gino’s East of Chicago opened in 1966 when two taxi drivers and a friend, frustrated with rush hour traffic, decided to open a pizzeria at 162 E. Superior Street, just off Michigan Avenue. Since then, the restaurant that became an instant legend with local Chicagoans, national celebrities and visitors from around the world, has expanded to 11 locations, including the Gold Coast; River North; Lakeview; O’Hare Plaza; Orland Park; Rolling Meadows; St. Charles; Naperville; Lake Zurich; Wheaton; and Libertyville, IL.
          For inquiries about group sales and private parties call 312-266-5421. For more information visit the Gino’s East Web site at www.ginoseast.com.