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, Cemeno’s quickly became a local favorite, with lines stretching down the sidewalk as guests eagerly waited for a table. From the very beginning, it was more than a place to eat—it was a place to gather with family and friends.

In 1985, we expanded to a second location in the Twin Oaks Shopping Center, introducing banquet rooms and Joe’s Dugout, a sports bar inspired by 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 proudly parted ways with the Aurelio’s franchise and reintroduced ourselves as Cemeno’s Pizza. While the name changed, our commitment to quality never did. We continue to honor the same family recipes passed down through generations—just like when Grandma Tressie used her hands as measuring cups to make our homemade sauces and meatballs.

In 2024, we expanded once again with Cemeno’s At The Park, a partnership with the Joliet Park District. This location allows us to serve concessions at Memorial Stadium and Inwood Ice Arena, offer weekend breakfast for Fitness Center patrons, and introduce exclusive menu items alongside favorites from our original restaurant—all while continuing to serve the heart of the community we love.

In January 2026, our family grew in a new direction with the opening of Cup of Joe by Cemeno’s, our very first coffee shop, located inside the Joliet Park District Fitness Center. Named after our Papa Joe—whose mornings always started with a cup of coffee and a piece of toast—Cup of Joe is a natural extension of our family story. There, we serve quality coffee, homemade bagels, baked goods, breakfast pizzas, and lighter options for guests on the go—welcoming people at the very start of their day.

Now celebrating 50 years (1976–2026), Cemeno’s remains family-owned and operated—a place where generations come together to celebrate, share a meal, and create lasting memories. Whether it’s your first visit or you’ve been with us for decades, we’re honored to welcome you into our family.