“Growing up an only child in an Italian-American household, that was part-owner of an iconic Chicago restaurant, it was pretty apparent that part of my life’s journey would lead me to operating Gene and Georgetti– and it’s an experience I couldn’t be more honored and prouder to be apart of,” says Michelle Durpetti, 3rd generation managing partner of Gene and Georgetti Steakhouse.
Like a fine wine, Gene and Georgetti only gets better with time. Thriving for 81 years in Chicago, it all started when Gene Michelotti arrived in America at the age of 15, speaking little English. To learn the language, he worked a handful of jobs in the hospitality industry where he met his future business partner, Alfredo Federighi, who went by the nickname “Georgetti.” Decades later, this fate of paths crossing and brick and mortar restaurant, is home. And while the fairytale beginnings of G&G is idyllic, the restaurant has certainly had to overcome its fair share of obstacles, including the 2020 pandemic and a 2019 fire.
In 2021, Gene and Georgetti’s celebrated its 80th anniversary. The celebration was bittersweet for a number of reasons, as the pandemic was still weighing heavily on the restaurant industry, and the restaurant had just undergone a renovation from a 2019, which never really had its moment to shine, as the reopening was on the heels of the 2020 pandemic, and take-out and delivery were the only options at the time. However, through all of the difficult challenges the restaurant was thrilled to celebrate its strong team who worked tirelessly over the years to ensure every guest was happy and full.
Despite recent challenges brought on by uncontrollable circumstances, the restaurant came out stronger and better than ever, as 3rd generation and the restaurant’s only female operator and managing partner, Michelle Durpetti was ready to set some significant changes in place.
Together with her husband Collin Pierson, Michelle established the opportunity and structure to make pastas and bread in-house, as well as build an extensive wine program. In fact, the wine program has become so popular, that G&G hosts regular wine dinners so guests can taste as well as learn about their favorite wines. These exciting changes have been well received by regulars and newcomers to G&G, but the couple didn’t stop there, as they wanted to give the G&G experience to as many people as possible… even if they weren’t in Chicago. And so, the G&G online shop and Steak Boxes were born.
_copy.jpg)
Perfect for holiday gifts and everyday grilling the G&G steak boxes are available year-round and ship nationwide for all to enjoy. But the G&G home experience extends beyond steaks, as the restaurant also has an online shop for G&G loyalists to bring their favorite products home, including homemade limoncello, signature G&G seasoning blends, olive oils, and more.
While Gene and Georgetti’s continues to thrive, the team is cautiously optimistic as they move onward from the challenges of the pandemic, and look forward to a prosperous future, welcoming guests to Chicago’s original steakhouse.
Contact:
500 N FRANKLIN ST,
CHICAGO, IL 60654
312.527.3718
_copy.jpg)
Photography by: Courtesy of Collin Pierson Photography
