NAPERVILLE, IL — For half a century, Little Italian Pizza has been a staple in Naperville, known for its unwavering commitment to quality and community. Located at 373 East Bailey Road, the beloved pizzeria recently marked its 50th anniversary, a testament to its enduring popularity since opening its doors in 1974.
Patrick Brioch, who has owned Little Italian Pizza for 23 years, attributes the restaurant’s success to its consistency. “The pizza’s been made the same way since I’ve been here,” Brioch said. “We haven’t changed a whole lot because we haven’t needed to… If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.”
Beyond serving delicious pizza, Brioch believes in giving back to the community. The restaurant frequently collaborates with local organizations, schools, and churches. “It’s just a good way to show the community that we’re not just here providing a good product,” Brioch said. “But [that] we want to help out everyone along the way as much as we can.”
This community spirit was on full display during the restaurant’s 50th-anniversary celebration on June 22, where nearly 150 pizzas were given away. “We just had a great time,” Brioch said. The event also included a fundraiser, with proceeds from raffle ticket sales going to local nonprofit Little Friends and donations collected for DuPagePads.
Brioch’s journey with Little Italian Pizza began long before he became the owner. He has worked in various roles, from dough-rolling to dishwashing, and in November, he took over ownership of the Naperville location. Many of the restaurant’s employees have been with Brioch for over a decade, fostering a sense of camaraderie that extends beyond the kitchen. “Most of our staff here know all of our customers by a first-name basis, right when they’re walking through the door,” Brioch said.
This strong sense of community has not only been good for business but has also enriched Brioch’s personal life. In 2011, he met his future wife while working at the restaurant, adding another layer to the family atmosphere that permeates Little Italian Pizza.
Brioch’s commitment to community and family is evident in his approach to running the restaurant. “I always tell people … life happens, and we are supportive of taking care of family first,” he said. This philosophy has helped Little Italian Pizza thrive, creating a warm, welcoming environment for both staff and customers.
Even amid the ongoing debate about pineapple on pizza, Brioch remains diplomatic. “It’s a heated question,” he said. “I wouldn’t probably order it on a pizza myself, but anytime that I do find myself eating it, I enjoy it.” For Brioch, the essence of pizza transcends such disagreements. “Pizza is pizza,” he said. “At the end of the day, it’s great—but it’s not of the utmost importance.”
Looking ahead, Brioch envisions a bright future for Little Italian Pizza, as long as its core values remain intact. “It’s no different than walking through the doors at home,” he said. With a strong foundation of quality food, community involvement, and a family-first ethos, Little Italian Pizza is poised to serve Naperville for many more years to come.