In the timeless words of Shakespeare, "What's in a name?" Naming a business is both an art and a science, blending creativity with strategic thinking. One must carefully think of something that's catchy and will stick for years to come. Oftentimes, it comes from a family name, a memory, or something unique to the establishment. When the name is well-chosen, it creates an instant connection.

The story begins with Anthony and Celeste Lizio, who came to the United States in the early 1930’s from Sant’Angelo all’Esca – a small town an hour outside of Naples, Italy. Celeste grew up in her mother’s café learning the recipes she would eventually hand down to her children and grandchildren. After they arrived in the U.S., Anthony and Celeste opened a small grocery store for Celeste to tend to while Anthony worked in a factory. While Celeste made dinner in the stores back kitchen, the delicious smells drew nearby workers. The store became known for Celeste’s food rather than the groceries.

The popularity of Celeste’s recipes encouraged her and Anthony to open a restaurant on the west side of Chicago, originally named Kedzie Beer Garden and renamed Celeste's. The family started a frozen pizza and pasta business, selling their pizza and pasta to restaurants throughout the Chicago area. Just as Celeste learned from her mother, their four children Emmanuel (Willy), Pasquale, Anthony Jr., and Clara learned from their parents working alongside while living above the restaurant. In the 1960's, they closed Celeste's and started the Celeste's Frozen Pizza brand that was bought by Quaker Oats. Then, Clara took over the family business.

The original Clara’s opened on March 13, 1987. Clara was in the kitchen, her husband Rudy Sr. at the bar, and their four children (Michelle, Anthony, Rudy Jr., and Mark) learning the recipes and traditions just as their mother and grandmother before them. People came from far and wide to enjoy Clara’s wonderful creations, just as people did for her mother when she began cooking. 

Celeste and Clara | Photo Credit: Clara's

On November 19, 2013, Clara’s moved to its current location at 6550 S. Rt. 53, now under the watchful eye of the next generation. Clara's is now run by Ersilia, Clara's granddaugther and Celeste's great-granddaughter as the fourth generation carries on the traditions. The family has enjoyed serving other families from Woodridge and the western suburbs of Chicago their fresh homemade pasta and sauces, fresh seafood, and traditional desserts.