Gino's East
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Restaurant |
| Founded | 1966 |
| Founder | Sam Levine, Fred Bartoli, George Loverde |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
| Products | Deep-dish pizza, plant-based pizza options |
Gino's East is a Chicago-based dining chain renowned for its specialization in deep-dish pizza. Established in 1966 by two taxi drivers, it has evolved into a prominent name within the pizza sector.
History
The inception of Gino's East dates back to 1966 when Sam Levine, Fred Bartoli, and George Loverde—who had earlier launched the original Gino's in 1960 at 930 N. Rush Street—joined forces to create the brand.
After acquiring a property on East Superior Street without a defined business model, the founders opted to concentrate on pizza, ultimately introducing what became their hallmark offering.
The original flagship stood at 162 E. Superior St., close to the Magnificent Mile, until structural complications necessitated a move to North Wells in 2000. In 2003, Buona Beef, a competitor, constructed a new facility at that initial address and later sold it back to Gino's East. The company reestablished its presence there in 2006, solidifying its position in a key Chicago locale.
Alice Mae Redmond
Despite the founders’ Italian heritage (with Loverde born in Sicily and Bartoli as a first-generation Italian American), the signature deep-dish pizza recipe was crafted by Alice Mae Redmond, an African American culinary expert formerly employed at Pizzeria Uno. Recruited by the founders, she developed a unique dough recipe that became fundamental to Gino's East’s market success.
Redmond remained with Gino's East for nearly thirty years until retiring in 1989. Her family maintained ties through her nephew Glenn Hudley, who took on management duties. Her recipe continues to be integral to the company’s innovation and competitive edge.
Writing on the walls
A distinctive feature of Gino's East is its tradition of permitting guests to inscribe messages on its walls. This custom originated in the 1970s when customers began etching initials into tables. To preserve furnishings, staff encouraged wall inscriptions instead, providing pens and markers. Currently, this graffiti adorns only the flagship restaurant at 162 E Superior St., as newer outlets and franchises have discontinued this practice.
2015 5 Rabbit beer batch purchase
In 2015, following Donald Trump's remarks about Mexican immigrants, 5 Rabbit Brewery stopped supplying beer to Trump Tower Chicago and renamed a batch "Chinga Tu Pelo" (meaning "Fuck Your Hair"), alluding to Trump's hairstyle. Shortly thereafter, Gino's East acquired this batch and donated the proceeds to a Latino cultural center, reflecting its commitment to community-oriented initiatives.
Ingredients for Deep-Dish Pizza
Gino's procures its sausage from a family-run enterprise based in Chicago. For its plant-based menu items, the company incorporates Daiya vegan cheese, establishing itself as a trailblazer in Chicago's vegan pizza segment.
Gino's Brewing Co.
Founded in 2015 inside the Gino's East River North venue, Gino's Brewing Co. emphasizes classic brewing techniques with a focus on producing beers with lower alcohol levels. Led by Brewmaster Kevin McMahon, the brewery achieved notable acclaim, winning several awards at the 2015 U.S. Open Beer Championship, including a gold medal for Lasalle St. Lager and silver and bronze distinctions for other core brews.
Growth and Expansion
Gino's East broadened its presence throughout the Chicago metropolitan region by launching outlets in Wheaton, Naperville, Rolling Meadows, Lake Zurich, Deerfield, Oak Lawn, and Highland, Indiana. The company also entered the tourist-heavy market of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and briefly operated a location beyond Illinois in Granger, Indiana. Between 2008 and 2013, some suburban venues were closed as part of a strategic realignment.
To extend its reach beyond brick-and-mortar restaurants, Gino's East maintains a mail-order frozen pizza service. The flagship River North establishment relocated several times within Chicago to better optimize space while retaining its iconic tradition of wall inscriptions.
In 2014, Gino's East penetrated the Texas market through ATX Brands acquiring franchising rights outside Illinois. Early Texas locations included The Woodlands and Houston in late 2014 and early 2015, followed by openings in San Antonio, Arlington, and Downtown Austin. These sites were conversions of former Bikinis Sports Bar & Grill properties owned by ATX Brands, facilitating swift regional expansion across Houston, San Antonio, and the Dallas–Fort Worth area.
Nashville
In 2019, Gino's East extended its footprint to Tennessee with its inaugural Nashville location situated in the SoBro district at 311 3rd Avenue S. This venue offers a spacious outdoor patio equipped with oversized yard games, a late-night pizza window, and bars accessible both indoors and outdoors. The interior is enhanced by murals created by local artist Brett Hunter that contribute to the restaurant’s distinctive atmosphere and brand expression.
Los Angeles
In 2020, Gino's East advanced its national presence by opening a franchise in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles at 12924 Riverside Dr., occupying a former Rock 'n Pies site. This strategic expansion targets Southern California customers by leveraging the brand’s reputation for authentic Chicago-style deep-dish pizza.
Currently operating ten locations nationwide, Gino's East continues to demonstrate consistent growth and increasing market penetration across key U.S. regions.