Our Story
Rooted in Tradition
Born into an Italian family in Roseland, a South Chicago Italian neighborhood, Tom Gelsosomo has always loved great Italian food. As an aspiring young entrepreneur who had worked hard in restaurants in the late 1970's, Tom wanted to share his love for Italian food with people through his Gelsosomo's (Jel-sah-so-mos) Pizzeria restaurant concept. Tom decided to open his first restaurant in Portage, Indiana in 1979.
1979
Opening Day
Tom Gelsosomo opens his first restaurant in Portage, Indiana.
1989
Best Tasting Pizza in Porter County
Gelsosomo's Pizza won an award naming them the Best Tasting Pizza in Porter County.
1990
Franchise Clearance
Gelsosomo's Franchise Corp. founded. The new franchise company was given clearance by the State of Indiana to begin its franchise expansion program.
1990
Chesterton Location
A site in Chesterton, Indiana was chosen. Mr. Ron Nabhan opens the first franchise.
1991
Best Tasting Pizza
Gelsosomo's growing popularity was proven when their pizza was named Best Tasting Pizza in Northwest Indiana.
1995
Valparaiso Location
Experiencing much success at his Chesterton location, Mr. Nabhan opens a carryout and delivery location inside Innman's Recreation Center in Valparaiso, Indiana.
2000
Valparaiso Location Upgrade
A new site in Valparaiso, Indiana was selected for a full service restaurant to relocate the pizzeria at Innman's Recreation Center.
2003
Michigan City Location
A site was chosen in Michigan City, Indiana for a full service restaurant.
2005
St. Joseph Location
The train depot in Saint Joseph, Michigan was selected for a full service restaurant. The depot was converted to a Gelsosomo’s Pizzeria, which is at historical Silver Beach.
2007
Crown Point Location
A site was chosen in Crown Point, Indiana for a full service restaurant.
2013
Schererville Location
A store was opened in Schererville, IN in June.
2014
Lemont Location
Gelsosomo's Lemont, IL opened their doors in September.
2016
Macomb Location
Gelsosomo's opens its second Illinois location in Macomb.
2023
Griffith Location
Gelsosomo's opens its location in Griffith, Indiana.