Our Story

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.

1979

1989

Best Tasting Pizza in Porter County

Gelsosomo's Pizza won an award naming them the Best Tasting Pizza in Porter County.

1989

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

1990

Chesterton Location

A site in Chesterton, Indiana was chosen. Mr. Ron Nabhan opens the first franchise.

1990

1991

Best Tasting Pizza

Gelsosomo's growing popularity was proven when their pizza was named Best Tasting Pizza in Northwest Indiana.

1991

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.

1995

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.

2000

2003

Michigan City Location

A site was chosen in Michigan City, Indiana for a full service restaurant.

2003

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.

2005

2007

Crown Point Location

A site was chosen in Crown Point, Indiana for a full service restaurant.

2007

2013

Schererville Location

A store was opened in Schererville, IN in June.

2013

2014

Lemont Location

Gelsosomo's Lemont, IL opened their doors in September.

2014

2016

Macomb Location

Gelsosomo's opens its second Illinois location in Macomb.

2016

2023

Griffith Location

Gelsosomo's opens its location in Griffith, Indiana.

2023