Georgio’s Celebrates 20 Years by Giving Back

Georgio’s Pizza owner Brian Coli (center) surprises Lynn Reckamp of Downtown Crystal Lake and Jeff Pal of Crystal Lake Food Pantry with checks for $7,500 each tucked in Georgio’s Pizza takeout boxes. These contributions are from Georgio’s 20th anniversary celebration where 100 percent of sales were donated to the two charities.

Georgio’s Pizza Gives Back Big for 20th Anniversary

Georgio’s Chicago Pizzeria & Pub is about a love of pizza, people, and community, according to founder and owner Brian Coli. To demonstrate that love, Coli hosted Georgio’s 20th anniversary party at the Crystal Lake location on Nov. 7, with the promise to donate 100% of that day’s sales to the Downtown Crystal Lake Association and the Crystal Lake Food Pantry. Coli and his team were amazed at the results, they raised $15,000 to be divided between the two charitable organizations.

“We chose two local organizations that are near to our hearts,” Coli said. “The Downtown Crystal Lake Association, because they do so much to help small businesses in Crystal Lake, and make our downtown a special place to visit, and the Crystal Lake Food Pantry because no one should go hungry, and we’re passionate about feeding our community and helping in the fight against food insecurity.” 

“We heard from a lot of our customers in response to the event,” he added. “Hundreds of people came in or ordered food to go, to celebrate Georgio’s anniversary, and to help raise money for the Crystal Lake Food Pantry and Downtown Crystal Lake association. Everyone was so generous and there was an outpouring of appreciation that all the sales were being donated back to these community organizations.” 

Event: “Made My Heart So Happy”

Lynn Reckamp, executive director of Downtown Crystal Lake Main Street, said Georgia’s generosity left her speechless. “I had chills when I learned they were donating $7,500 to our organization. I did see the activity on social media as the event was shared and liked over and over again,” she said. “When I went for lunch, James Coli’s daughter Aria was wearing a Georgio’s tee-shirt and visiting the tables with a big smile. The whole event has made my heart so happy!”

Reckamp and her board have discussed using some of the funds to update the historic house which was gifted to the organization by the Lucille Raue Foundation. More than 100 years old, the building needs updating.

Donation: “Appreciated and Valued”

Crystal Lake Food Pantry executive director, Jeff Pal expressed his gratitude to Brian and Georgio’s Pizza. “We have had a longtime partnership with Georgio’s,” he said. “They have donated frozen pizzas to the Food Pantry for many years and been very generous. This $7,500 donation at this time of year is appreciated and valued. We can help many people who face food insecurity.”

Brian Coli has shared his love for pizza, people, and community over the 20-years of the business.He recognizes that for a pizza restaurant, 20 years is a significant milestone. Working to continually improve the business and serve the community, Coli is supported by a team of hardworking professionals. Brother James is Operations Manager for the two Georgio’s locations, Crystal Lake and South Barrington. Courtney Miller is the Manager of the Crystal Lake location and has been with Georgio’s for 15 years.

“I’ve had so much fun working at Georgio’s over the past 15 years,” Miller said. “I love how involved we are with the community, and the amazing people I’ve met and gotten to know over the years. From Brian and James and our Georgio’s team, to our regular customers, Georgio’s has always felt like family to me. It was so heartwarming and emotional to be a part of Monday’s event, and to see our kids dressed in Georgio’s uniforms helping out and thanking customers for coming in for the fundraiser.”

Georgio’s Roots

Georgio’s Chicago Pizzeria & Pub was opened in 2002 to share Brian’s passion for authentic, Chicago-style pizza. His passion for pizza started when he was 5 years old, when his dad would bring him to a friend’s pizza place and Brian was able to play with pizza dough and make his own pizza. Five years later Brian’s dad opened his own pizza place.

Weeks before opening, he was fortunate enough to hire two ladies who were retiring from the pizza business after 46 years, sisters Alice Mae Redmond and Ruth Hadley, who created the first ever Chicago-style pizza back in 1943. Mae and Ruth taught Brian and his dad how to make authentic Chicago-style deep dish pizza and instilled a passion in Brian for pizza and for giving back to his community. Brian has been sharing both passions with others for 20 years with plans to continue for many more.

A Passion for Serving

Serving the people in his community is another passion for Georgio’s founder Brian Coli. Beyond serving award-winning pizza, community service includes contributions to youth sports teams, nonprofit events, fundraisers, school groups and community programs. Brian Coli has served as president of the Crystal Lake chamber of commerce, and Downtown Crystal Lake Main Street. He is a member of the Leadership Greater McHenry County board of trustees and has been active in the community in many ways.

The Rotary Club of Crystal Lake awarded Coli their Vocational Service Award given to one who exemplifies community service in their vocation. The Crystal Lake chamber of commerce awarded Georgio’s the Pride in Crystal Lake (PICA) award as well as the Robert O. Covey Business of the Year award, for its impact on the community.

Georgio’s Pizza is proud to serve the Crystal Lake and South Barrington area communities. “We are passionate about pizza, we care about people and our community, and we are committed to being the best we can be,” Coli said. “Giving back to the community is more than something we do; it is the foundation for who we are. We wouldn’t have a business without the support of the community.”

Georgio’s has two locations; 75 E. Woodstock Street in Crystal Lake and in The Arboretum of South Barrington at 100 W. Higgins Road, and is looking to expand to a third location, and continue growing and sharing its passion for pizza and community to other Chicagoland locations.

Voted best pizza at the Chicago Pizza Fest and Best of the Fox and ranked as one of the Top 50 independent pizzerias in the nation, Georgio’s continues to be recognized for the genuine Chicago-style pizza by a loyal following of customers, food critics and foodies alike.