All in the
family
Fox’s Pizza and Irish Pub celebrates three generations of great memories and food By Vicki Martinka Petersen | Photos provided by Fox’s Pizza and Irish Pub
Destination Dining
R
24
yan Fox grew up surrounded by the aroma of fresh pizzas sliding out of the oven. He watched generations of families make memories at the restaurant, started by his grandparents and later run by his father.
Fox himself started working in the family business at age 12, washing dishes. Sixteen years later, he’s running the day-to-day operations of Fox’s Pizza and Irish Pub with a little help from his dad. “It’s what I always wanted, to be here carrying on the family tradition,” he says.
His grandfather Tom Fox Sr., who always liked restaurants and the pizza business, pursued his dream in 1963 when he opened a carryout venue. A few years later Al Capone’s sister Mafalda Maritote sold her deli in the Beverly neighborhood of Chicago. Tom and his wife, Therese, jumped at the opportunity to expand into a full restaurant.
When stopping in for a bite to eat, you can’t go wrong with ordering the popular special pizza, topped with sausage, green pepper, onion, mushroom and black olives.
In 1973, they expanded to their Orland Park location. And in 2006, the family opened another location in Mokena.
A special occasion or date night might call for one of “Fox’s Finest” entrees, including the prime rib, perch or baby back ribs. The Irish Reuben sandwich, served on grilled marble rye, or the Fox’s house burger, made with an angus beef patty, might hit the spot for a casual evening out.
“It’s unique these days to have a restaurant stay in the family for three generations,” says Fox.
If you’re ever craving brunch during the week, you’re in luck. Fox’s recently started a brunch menu with
NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST
SUMMER 2021
summer neighborhood tourist cc 6.24.21.indd 24
6/8/21 5:27 PM
