Lino’s: ‘Home-Away-from-Home’ Dining

Lino’s: ‘Home-Away-from-Home’ Dining

By Peggy Werner

For almost 50 years, Lino’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant, 5611 E. State St., has been a favorite option for people celebrating special occasions. But it’s also a “home away from home” for folks who just want a great meal any night of the week.

The Lino’s experience is consistent and that’s by design.

“We try very hard to stay the same,” says Charlie Schweinler, co-owner. “As the world changes and other restaurants try to keep up with the latest trends, we try to remain that place where people can connect, get homemade food and enjoy us because we are who we are.”

Schweinler is married to the founder’s granddaughter, Celeste, whose dad, Joe Battista, is co-owner with his brother, Jim.

The name “Lino’s” conjures images of homemade pizza, cheesy lasagna with a thick red sauce and daily specials like veal or chicken parmagiana or deep fried cod, accompanied by a special salad topped with egg, sausage and a special dressing.

The secret is simple. All recipes are made from scratch with top quality ingredients, Schweinler explains.

“Italian food is not complicated. It is a few simple ingredients done right that give people a warm and good feeling,” he says.

Lino’s founder Michael Battista came to the U.S. at age 19 and earned an engineering degree. He worked for the Sunbeam Corp. before he met wife Pasqua in Rockford, also an Italian immigrant. They used her family recipes to launch their business and, one by one, her siblings came to America and contributed to the success of Lino’s.

Many of the 100 or so Lino’s employees have worked at the restaurant since it opened in 1972.

Lino’s is open from 4:30 to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 4:30 to 9 p.m. on Sunday. For reservations or carryout, call (815) 397-2077. ❚