PILSEN — After years of searching for the perfect Pilsen location, Giordano's purveyors have officially opened their new pizza shop on 18th Street.
Brothers George and Basil Apostolou celebrated the grand opening of the franchise restaurant at 1401 W. 18th St. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday. The restaurant, known for its Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, officially opened it's doors last week.
So far, they've had a ton of walk-in traffic, owner George Apostolou said.
"We're excited to be in the neighborhood and we've had such a warm welcome in the community," Apostolou said. "It was a perfect fit for us."
Owners Basil Apostolou (left) and George Apostolou (right) pose with 25th Ward Chief of Staff Vince Sanchez in the new Pilsen Giordano's. [DNAinfo/Stephanie Lulay]
He said the restaurant employing 18 people, most of whom are Pilsen residents.
Giordano's first announced plans to move to the neighborhood in August. The restaurant offers delivery and carryout and the dining room seats 50 people.
The first Giordano's opened on the South Side in 1974. The Chicago-based chain operates locations in Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota and Florida. George and Basil Apostolou's parents previously owned the Giordano's chain, according to the Tribune.
Gino's East opening on 21st
Giordano's isn't the only deep-dish pizza purveyor moving to the neighborhood. Earlier this month, Gino's East also announced plans to open a Pilsen restaurant, too.
According to the restaurant's website, the Pilsen Gino's East will be at 1659 W. 21st St. in a storefront previously occupied by Lucha Dulce bakery.
Ald. Danny Solis (25th) said the opening of two new pizza restaurants will be "a good thing."
"There's a lot of economic vitality that these two pizzerias will bring to the neighborhood," he said.
Giordano's is now open at 18th Street and Blue Island Avenue in Pilsen. [DNAinfo/Stephanie Lulay]
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