Longevity is one thing, but three quarters of a century in the intensely competitive Chicago pizza market—that’s another matter entirely. Elvis Presley was still a high-school unknown when Leona Pianetto Molinaro Szemla opened the first Leona’s Pizzeria & Restaurant location in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood.
On August 14, Leona’s will celebrate its 75th anniversary with a special one-day event serving personal pizzas for 75 cents at all four locations. But not just anyone can get the deal—membership in the brand’s VIP Rewards program is required, and it’s limited to the first 75 members who come in for the celebration.
Better yet, Leona’s will also offer a special deal that PMQ Pizza has never seen before: The first 75 guests age 75 or older will get a free full-size pizza—a nod to those who have been around since the very beginning.
It’s almost unheard of in the pizza business: a gesture of appreciation to the community’s senior citizens who have supported Leona’s over the decades—and who introduced the restaurant to their kids and grandkids.
“Celebrating 75 years is an incredible milestone, and it’s all thanks to the generations of loyal guests who have supported us through the decades,” said Billy Marino, Leona’s current CEO and owner. “We’ve always taken pride in being a place where good food and good company come together. It’s been an honor to carry on the Leona’s legacy and continue serving the community we love.”
Founded in 1950 in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, Leona’s quickly became a city icon, known not only for its pizzas, but also for pioneering innovations like branded delivery cars and signage in the early 1950s.
In fact, the company will be featured in the Pizza Hall of Fame column in PMQ’s September 2025 edition, so be on the lookout.
Szemla and her heirs grew Leona’s into a Chicago powerhouse before Marino purchased the company. Today, he continues to build on that legacy as the Windy City staple transitions to a quick service model. The newly opened McHenry location features Leona’s first drive-thru designed to minimize wait time and ensure a more efficient guest experience.
Leona’s offers a signature lineup of Chicago-style pizzas—including thin crust, stuffed deep dish, Sicilian and pan—made with time-honored recipes and premium ingredients. The menu also features Italian-American comfort food like hearty pastas, flatbread sandwiches, crisp salads and shareable sides.
The brand currently has four restaurants in the greater Chicagoland area: the West Loop, Irving Park, Lyons, and McHenry.
