About us

Our Story… Where It All Began…

In the early 1900s, the Calo family left their small village of Sicily, driven by the promise of a new life across the ocean. With little more than the clothes on their backs and the rich flavors of their homeland in their hearts, they arrived in America, eager to share the culinary traditions passed down through generations of their family. This was the genesis of Nano’s Pizza. 

The Calo’s opened a modest pizzeria in a bustling neighborhood of Morton Grove, where the air was thick with the scent of garlic, fresh basil, and the smoky aroma of pizza baking in an oven. It didn’t take long for their cooking to gain a reputation. Locals and newcomers alike flocked to their restaurant to taste authentic Chicago Style Pizza—crispy yet tender crust, topped with perfectly balanced tomato sauce, a blend of high-quality mozzarella, and secret family herbs. Alongside their pizza, they served traditional Chicago staples: Pasta, Savory Italian Beef, tender meatballs, and sauces simmered for hours to achieve that rich, full flavor. In 1985, the Calo family passed their traditions down to Chris and Vicky Nano, who added the famous broasted chicken to the menu and established Nano’s. 

Fast-forward to today, the Nano family’s restaurant is still thriving, thanks to Sicilian descendants and two brothers, Tony Dugo and his Chicago-native brother, Rosario Dugo. Raised on farms and in the kitchen, they learned the craft from their family, which included raising livestock, making cheeses and wines, cultivating fresh fruits and vegetables, kneading dough, and crafting the sauces that made the pizzeria famous. The brothers were taught to emphasize high-quality, organic ingredients, which are central to their recipes and the reason they support Nano’s menu.

The Dugo brothers grew up in a rapidly changing world, but one thing remained constant: the recipes and techniques passed down through their heritage. The unique flavors of Sicily were too special to be forgotten and became infused in their beloved Classic Chicago Staples. As the torch was passed down the them, the Dugo brothers are dedicated to preserving the Sicilian tradition in Chicago cuisine, staying true to the original recipes that have made their pizzeria unique for over 40 years.

Today, Nano’s offers more than just pizza; it serves a piece of history. Each bite reminds us of the heritage and the sacrifices made by these families, and the love that continues to simmer in the heart of their kitchen. The legacy of Sicily lives on, one pizza at a time.