CAMPTON HILLS – The sign in Fio’s Pizzeria that reads, “Enter as strangers, leave as friends,” is more than decoration.
Owner Franki Fioretti said it’s the way some customers have felt after a visit to the restaurant.
“Customers say the sign says it all,” Fioretti said.
Located on the southeast corner of Route 64 and LaFox Road in Campton Hills, Fio’s Pizzeria offers calzones, pasta, sandwiches, pizza, soup and salads.
Despite the Italian cuisine, Fioretti said he and his two partners – Steve Klebotis and Teri Bernner – aren’t trying to be a classic Italian restaurant. They just want to serve rustic, good food in a family atmosphere where people can come as they are.
“You can feel comfortable and have an enjoyable evening – and great food,” Fioretti said.
The owners have diverse backgrounds. Fioretti, who has been in the hospitality business for 32 years, has a nightclub background and has owned small beef stands and two small restaurants, he said. Klebotis operates a pizza place in downtown Chicago, and Bernner – Fioretti’s sister – is ready to leave the human resources business after 30-some years.
Believing that the pizza sold in the suburbs is lacking, Fio’s will serve pies with fresh ingredients and homemade “old world” style thin crust, Fioretti said.
The charm of the Campton Hills location – Fioretti described it as a “quaint spot” – attracted them to the site, he said.
Fio’s Pizzeria opened June 12 and offers take-out, delivery and dine-in, with seating available outside. Business is doing OK, Fioretti said, noting the pizzeria is developing regular customers.
“It’s nice to have a lot of repeat business,” Fioretti said.