Business News

World Market will feature retail items from across Italy, including a host of gourmet Italian food products, as part of a dramatic expansion facilitated by the Italian government. The chain of specialty/import retail stores launched its Italian Shop with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 18 at World Market Lincoln Park, 1623 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago. The ceremony was followed by an open house until 7 p.m. that includes a coffee-and-cookie sampling from 10 a.m. to noon and food tasting event and raffle drawing from 4 to 7 p.m. (312-587-8037) The expansion and open house were made possible with the assistance …

The law firm of Amari & Locallo has once again received high marks from their peers in the field of real estate tax reduction. Partners Leonard Amari and John Locallo were voted the top real estate tax lawyers in Illinois in the 2022 edition of Super Lawyer magazine, and associate attorney Vincent Oppedisano was recognized as a “Rising Star” in the field. Last year, Amari was ranked by Leading Lawyer magazine as the No. 3 lawyer in the state in the real estate tax field, and Locallo was ranked No. 9. Both Amari and Locallo were rated “The Midwest’s Top …

It’s no secret that dining establishments have taken a beating during the pandemic, losing customers and incurring additional costs that have threatened their very existence. The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans is doing its part to shore up the industry by forming the Scappi Society of Italian Culinary Culture. Named after Renaissance cookbook author Bartolomeo Scappi, the initiative aims to unite owners of Italian restaurants, pizzerias, delis, bakeries, coffee shops, banquet halls, and food producers and distributors in common cause. “The society will serve as a think tank and marketing hub for members,” JCCIA president Ron Onesti explains. (scappi@jccia.com) …

Tony’s Fresh Market recently opened a store at 965 Rollins Road in Round Lake Beach, bringing the number of outlets in the grocery chain to 17. The company’s holdings include a warehouse and corporate headquarters in Itasca. The Round Lake Beach location is the chain’s first in Lake County. The business was founded in 1979 by Tony Ingraffia and his uncle, Domenico Gambino, both of whom were born in the small Sicilian town of Ciminna. For the rest of the story, turn to pages 60 and 61.

After 20 years at its expansive space on Harlem Avenue near Belmont in Chicago, Arezzo Jewelers has found a perfect fit at its new location on North Avenue in Elmwood Park. “We needed an update, and we found out that it was easier in the long run to create a new space for ourselves,” says Michael Spilotro, who co-owns the jewelry store with his wife, Jeannie. The move also ushers in a greater role for the Spilotros’ son, Vincent. With a graduate gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America and an apprenticeship with a master jeweler under his belt, …

Entering its 25th year of operation, Spizzico Pizza & Pasta was at a crossroads. With a host of options available to the owners of the Elmwood Park dining landmark, the path forward was nevertheless clear: Keep it in the family. “We’ve been in business since 1996,” co-owner Rocco Spizziri says. “My parents (Tito Sr. and Edvige) had this building on North Avenue, and when my brother (Tito Jr.) asked if he could put in a pizza place there, my dad let him.” Thus, Spizziri Company, aka Spizzico, was born. Known for its double crust pizza and other casual Italian fare, …

by Michael Solarz Here is proof that what goes around comes around. For nearly three decades, Bill Conforti made 3066 to 3070 N. Clybourn Ave. the home of Siding-1, Windows-1, and Cobblestone Development. After Siding-1, Windows-1, was sold in 2012, the property was redeveloped in 2015 and is now the new showroom and headquarters of Cobblestone Development. Conforti’s Cobblestone Development is focused in two areas: exterior home improvement such as windows, siding, porches, and decks. Also, renovations including kitchen, baths, basements, and additions are offered. Bill also offers his Mission Statement: “Cobblestone Development, Inc. is Chicagoland’s premier provider of quality …

Michael Segreti, president of REX Electric and Technologies, announced several promotions on the management team. Mike Bosco has moved into the position of executive vice president of sales/business development. Bosco has been with Rex for 23 years, the majority of that time being spent in senior management roles overseeing operations. Mike Ahern will be moving onto the global sales team along with Will Sutila, and Jim Jaskolski has been promoted to vice president of operations for the Electrical Interior Division. Rex Electric & Technologies is a leading electrical and technology contractor. Family owned and operated since 1919, it was founded …

  Franklin Park-based Tukaiz recently expanded its large format capabilities with the installation of two HP Latex 3500 high-volume production printers. “These are exciting times for our company and clients,” says Frank Defino, Jr., vice president and managing director at Tukaiz. “With the addition of these high-efficiency machines, Tukaiz can offer more large-format services along with highly diverse printing options. Many of our client applications require high volumes with exacting quality on a wide variety of substrates. The addition of these devices will further support our ability to deliver customized materials created, printed, finished and fulfilled from our campus.” (tukaiz.com)

Tukaiz, an award-winning marketing services production company based in Franklin Park, has announced the opening of its in-house boutique creative division, agenz. Specializing in campaign strategy and design creation for both digital and traditional media, agenz also offers instant access to Tukaiz’ award-winning marketing production services. The addition of a dedicated agency allows Tukaiz to move rapidly from creative conception to final production delivery, according to Tukaiz President and Managing Partner Dan Defino. “Having a comprehensive agency capability right on our campus gives us yet another service we can offer clients who understand the value of streamlining their marketing efforts …