On July 19, 1976 Joseph and Janice Cemeno opened a small storefront pizza restaurant on Jefferson Street in Joliet, the result of a life-long dream. We were “born” as the first non-family franchise of Aurelio’s Pizza at the time. The moment we opened our doors, we outgrew our 100 seat “mom and pop” store as people would line up down the sidewalk to wait for a table. It quickly became known as a place to gather with friends and family.
In 1985 we opened our second location in the Twin Oaks shopping center, where we were able to add banquet rooms and a sports bar which we still fondly refer to as “Joe’s Dugout” a tribute to our dad’s love of sports, especially the Cubs and Bears.
In 1996 our parents bought property on “sparsely developed” Essington Road and built our current restaurant. In early 2002, we took another great risk and decided to dissolve our Aurelio’s franchise and hence became known as Cemeno’s Pizza. We still use the same recipes we did when our Grandma Tressie would come in and make our sauces and meatballs, using her hands as measuring cups.
We have been family owned and operated since 1976 and have had the pleasure of meeting so many great folks throughout the years who have created a tradition here where great memories are made. If this is your first time here, we are happy to say…”Welcome to the family.”
September 29, 1935 - March 24, 2018
August 10, 1932 - September 21, 2007
“To God Be the Glory”
By far the best pizza in joliet. Any kind of pizza from here is recommended. Only place to order pizza from in joliet!
We are in a food coma! The anti-pasta salad is to die for & the all meat, extra crispy thin crust pizza was mouth-watering!! Great job by waitress Amy. I think this will be a road trip for us.
This is hands down our favorite pizza. Perfect cooked and delicious ingredients! If you haven't been, it's a must try.
Just had the best pizza from Cemeno's has ever served me! Topped with spinach and garlic!! Yum! Yum! Yum! We always get our pizza well done from Cemeno's!
I totally love cemenos pizza. It is so delicious and tasty. They put just the right amount of toppings on and are really the best pizza in j-town.
Just had lunch there with a large party of about 15. Our server, Andrea, did an amazing job. Our family is not an easy one to deal with and she did so flawlessly! Great job, great food and beer!
Cemenos has great thin crust! The crust and sauce both have flavors that compliment each other. The crust also has a nice crunch. Cheese and ingredients are always quality. Another favorite is their Beef Roll, especially with hot peppers!
