Chicago icon honors milestone with deals and giveaways for longtime fans
CHICAGO (Aug. 4, 2025) – Leona’s Pizzeria & Restaurant, the veteran-owned Chicago favorite known for serving “Chicago’s Original Pizza,” is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a special one-day event on Thursday, Aug. 14.
To honor the guests who’ve made Leona’s a staple for 75 years, the brand will serve 75-cent personal pizzas* to the first 75 VIP Rewards members at each location. The first 75 guests age 75 or older will also receive a free full-sized pizza** — a nod to those who’ve been around since the very beginning.
“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, CEO and owner of Leona’s. “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 by Leona Pianetto Molinaro Szemla 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.
Today, Leona’s continues to build on that legacy under Marino’s leadership, as the Chicago staple is transitioning 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: with locations in the west loop, Irving Park, Lyons and McHenry.
Guests are encouraged to stop by their nearest location on Aug. 14 to join the celebration, enjoy a 75-cent pizza and — if they’re 75 or older — receive a full-sized pie on the house.
For updates on menu items, events and special offers, visit leonas.com or follow the brand on Instagram, TikTok and X (formerly Twitter).
*75-cent personal pizzas available in-store only to VIP Rewards members, limit one per person, for the first 75 qualifying guests per location while supplies last. Guests may sign up for VIP Rewards at leonas.com. No substitutions or additions.
**Free full-sized pizza available in-store only for guests age 75 or older with valid ID, limit one per person, for the first 75 qualifying guests per location while supplies last. No substitutions or additions.
About Leona’s Pizzeria & Restaurant
Founded in 1950 by Leona Pianetto Molinaro Szemla in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, Leona’s Pizzeria & Restaurant is a legend in the city’s pizza history. As one of Chicago’s oldest operating pizzerias, Leona’s was among the first to offer branded delivery cars and signage as early as 1952. Now under the leadership of CEO Billy Marino — whose family has deep ties to the brand and its founding family — Leona’s is honoring its legacy while embracing a modern, streamlined model focused on convenience, quality and growth. With smaller-format stores and a renewed commitment to its original recipes, Leona’s continues to honor its original traditions while embracing innovation, ensuring it remains “Chicago’s Original Pizza” for years to come.
For more information about Leona’s Pizzeria & Restaurant, visit leonas.com.
