About Us

— The Story of Positano’s

Our story begins across the ocean in the sun-soaked hills of Naples, Italy, where Nicola Positano grew up with dirt under his nails and joy in his heart. A true man of the land, Nicola had a passion for gardening, winemaking, and long, loud Sunday dinners surrounded by family, friends, and laughter. Food wasn’t just fuel—it was the glue that held everyone together.

In the early 1900s, Nicola made the bold move to Chicago, bringing with him a few simple things: his love for rich, homemade food, a handful of seeds from his garden, and an unwavering belief that every meal should be made with heart. He and his wife Helena (Durante) laid down roots in a working-class neighborhood and quickly became known for his backyard tomatoes, his home-bottled wine, and his open-door dinners that fed more than a few hungry neighbors and family.

Through the decades, the Positano family grew—but never outgrew their traditions. Recipes were passed down, hands learned to knead dough just like Nonna, and every Sunday still meant sauce on the stove and stories at the table.

Nicola and Helena’s grandson, Jimmy, inherited that same fire. With a love for the old ways and the flavors he grew up on, Jimmy opened the first Positano’s, a neighborhood pizzeria with old-school soul and food just like Nonna used to make. Alongside him in the kitchen now is Glenn, his partner and Longtime friend from junior high school. Glenn’s love for those same nostalgic, comforting foods made it an easy decision to build this dream together.

At Positano’s, you’ll taste that tradition in every bite. From our all-natural Italian lemon and watermelon ices—made only with pure cane sugar, fresh fruit, and water (no syrups, dyes, or shortcuts)—to our homemade panuozzos crafted with fresh pizza dough, every item is a nod to how things used to be done. Try our vodka pork cutlet sandwich served on our homemade over-sized garlic butter knot, or explore our range of pizzas, made to order—from our signature thin and crispy to our Deep dish or stuffed. We’re proud to now offer our “square” Nonna pizza Napolitana style for the very first time.

Stop by, give us a try. We’re confident you’ll taste the difference.

Grazie,
Glenn and Jimmy