After emigrating from Monte Prandone in 1913, August Bamonti founded Savoias restaurant. The restaurant began back in 1934 when August Gus Bamonti converted an old grocery store into a neighborhood tavern in a small Italian community on the far south side of Chicago. Gus, as it was called then, was located in a highly industrial area of town and it became a popular and convenient stopover for workers going to and from their places of employment. As an incentive in a highly competitive business, Gus would give free sandwiches to anyone patronizing his tavern. This business promotion had unintended results. Gus acquired a reputation for fine food - from this, starting with a limited menu, luncheons and dinners were served. Gradually, as the clientele expanded and the reputation grew, Gus became more of a restaurant than a bar. At this point, August Bamonti decided to change the name of his eating establishment to something more befitting. His thoughts returned to his native Italy, and what would be more regal than the royal HOUSE OF SAVOIA, ruling estate of the then King of Italy, Victor Emmanual I. Thus came the name, Savoia. Gus, his wife Grace and their relatives and friends worked diligently to establish Savoias as the finest Italian restaurant on the far south side of Chicago. Today, although the restaurant no longer exists, the Savoia tradition continues through our Italian carry-out concept - Savoia TGo and the sale of our delicious homestyle pastas - Savoia Pasta - still made by hand as Grace did when it all began.

Address: Savoia Foods, 85 Independence Way, Chicago Heights, IL 60411
Telephone: 708-754-6950
Fax: 708-754-2133
Website: http://www.savoiafoods.com/