the story of the cemenos

Welcome to the Family

Cemeno’s Pizza is more than just a restaurant—it’s a family tradition. Our story began on July 19, 1976, when Joseph and Janice Cemeno fulfilled their lifelong dream by opening a small storefront pizza shop on Jefferson Street in Joliet. As the first non-family franchise of Aurelio’s Pizza at the time, we quickly became a local favorite, with lines stretching down the sidewalk as guests eagerly waited for a table. From the very beginning, Cemeno’s was more than just a place to eat—it was a place to gather with family and friends.

By 1985, we expanded to a second location in the Twin Oaks Shopping Center, where we introduced banquet rooms and Joe’s Dugout, a sports bar dedicated to our dad’s love of the Cubs and Bears.

In 1996, our parents took another bold step, purchasing land on what was then a sparsely developed Essington Road to build the restaurant we now call home. Then, in 2002, we took another leap of faith—parting ways with our Aurelio’s franchise and proudly reintroducing ourselves as Cemeno’s Pizza. Through all the changes, one thing has remained the same: our recipes, our traditions, and our commitment to quality. Just like when our Grandma Tressie used her hands as measuring cups to make our homemade sauces and meatballs, we continue to honor those family recipes that have stood the test of time.

Most recently, in 2024 we expanded once again with Cemeno’s Pizza At The Park, a partnership with the Joliet Park District. When approached with the opportunity, we saw it as a way to bring our menu and hospitality to a new audience—catering concessions at Memorial Stadium and Inwood Ice Arena, serving weekend breakfast for Fitness Center patrons, and offering both staple menu items from our original location and exclusive new dishes. This venture allows us to continue doing what we love—bringing people together over great food in the heart of the community.

For nearly 50 years, Cemeno’s has been a family-owned and operated restaurant, a place where generations have come together to celebrate, share a meal, and create lasting memories. Whether it’s your first time here or you’ve been with us for decades, we’re honored to welcome you into our family.