Word of mouth quickly spread through the neighborhood and we saw new faces every day. Before too long we had our first big order (60 sandwiches for a customer at the Board of Trade) which inspired us to add a catering business alongside the walk-in business. The menu expanded to include vegetarian options, soups, salads, and deserts like fresh-filled cannoli.
“First I needed my father’s blessing. ‘This is your baby,’ Dad said, ‘everything is on you,’ as he peered over his glasses.” I’m not sure if he said this to discourage me or see how I would react but I ran with the idea.”
In 2007 the J.P. Graziano Grocery opened a sub shop inside the 70-year-old store. The brainchild of fourth generation Jim who believed strongly that serving sandwiches could increase the store’s visibility in the neighborhood.
Iconic Sandwiches & Apricot Expresso Gelatto
James F. Graziano (1945-2008)
James F. Graziano didn’t get to see how well his son’s idea to bring new customers into the store worked. It’s fun to imagine what he would’ve said about folks lining up for boundary pushing apricot expresso gelatto!
But the continued success of our business and continuing the family tradition would have brought out his signature wide smile, no doubt about it.
“Yes, we said it, life-changing gelato without traveling to Italy.”
Sarah Freeman, Zagat Chicago
Since opening the sub shop we have enjoyed great success and earned a loyal following. In March 2013 Eater Chicago included our signature sandwhich the “Mr. G” on its list of The Most Iconic Sandwiches in Chicago. That same month Citysearch selected us as Chicago’s Best Lunch Spot. We regularly see lines now that stretch out the door at lunchtime and the patio we set up in 2011 is filled with customers on nice days.