3 minute read
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
Ryan 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. In 1973, they expanded to their Orland Park location. And in 2006, the family opened another location in Mokena.
“It’s unique these days to have a restaurant stay in the family for three generations,” says Fox. 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.
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. If you’re ever craving brunch during the week, you’re in luck. Fox’s recently started a brunch menu with
FOX’S PIZZA AND IRISH PUB 9655 W. 143rd St., Orland Park 11247 W. 187th St., Mokena www.foxpubs.com
an Irish flare. It’s offered every day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. “This is not your typical waffles and pancakes brunch,” Fox says. The star attraction is the Irish breakfast featuring two eggs, bacon, grilled ham steak, breakfast potatoes and toast. Or try the Irish omelette, made with corned beef and Swiss and accompanied by toast and breakfast potatoes. Pre-pandemic times included a face painter and balloons for the kids to keep them entertained during a family dinner. You could also find live music four days per week, including karaoke on Thursdays. “I’m amazed how many singers we have in the area,” Fox laughs. Like many restaurants, Fox’s faced challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The well-established carryout business in Orland Park, dating back to the 1970s, helped the eatery stay afloat during stay-athome orders, then later indoor dining restrictions. “We’re so thankful for our loyal customers who ordered carryout this past year. And now it’s great starting to see familiar faces come back as indoor dining restrictions are slowly being lifted,” Fox says.
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EMBRACE YOUR HEALTH AT WELLNESS WEEKEND!
Wellness Weekend in in Downtown Downtown St. St. Charles Charles
September 18 & 19, 2021
September 18th The Wellness Hub
• Body, Mind & Spirit Booths, featuring local
Fox Valley organizations focused on Health & Wellness • Healthy Lifestyle Demonstrations • Family Fun & Activities • Give-Aways • Fox Valley Marathon Children’s Race (3 p.m.) September 19th The Fox ValleyVa Marathon Races
• 5K • ½ Marathon • Full Marathon
