Geno Nottolini's family had been doing business on the same corner in Elgin (Liberty & Congdon) for four generations since the 1930’s.
 

His great grandfather, Julius, came over from Italy and opened a small neighborhood grocery store.  About 10 years later he moved his interests across the street and opened a Texaco Super Service Center. 

His grandfather, Dino, took over the business, but when Rt. 25 had to be widened, Dino gave up the old business.  Dino and his brother-in-law, Ray, opened an appliance store (which sold the first TV in Elgin), a liquor store and a tavern, all in the old Texaco Building.  In that tavern they served great meals. 

Eventually his Uncle Rick, took over the business with his buddy Tom Hoppe (Tom is still there).  There were some crazy stories in there, or so we've heard.  Rick decided  to leave the tavern in 1980.  Rick took the family recipes and his love of good food and he opened a pizzeria in South Elgin.  There were lines out the door at lunchtime… it was unreal.  When the opportunity arose, Rick along with his wife, Cheryl and their daughter Alecia, opened a second pizzeria.  This second shop was back at their old Family Corner (Liberty & Congdon).

Geno worked in both stores with Rick, Cheryl and Alecia.  He learned from their commitment to quality and the way they treated people.  He washed the dishes, made the pizzas, worked the ovens, and made deliveries too. 

Although I don't know the history of the other previous owners, I do know that we have all worked to preserve the values of Geno and the Nottolini family. This restaurant is not a chain.  It is a unique place with a local appreciation for the community.  The people here will recognize you, know your neighborhood, and some may even go to school with your kids. 

Has someone ever told you about that “hole-in-the-wall place” that you have to go to?…  

Well, this is the one in Elgin.