Born into an Italian family in Roseland, a South Chicago Italian neighborhood, Tom Gelsosomo has always loved great Italian food.  As an aspiring young entrepreneur who had worked hard in restaurants in the late 1970's, Tom wanted to share his love for Italian food with people through his Gelsosomo's (Jel-sah-so-mos) Pizzeria restaurant concept.

Tom decided to open his first restaurant in Portage Indiana in 1979, an expanding community, in which he felt there was a large market for his concept. Tom purchased an existing Italian restaurant, a building that was characteristic of Italian architecture, that he felt was perfect for his concept.

Through the loyalty of his many customers, which ultimately led to his restaurant's success, Gelsosomo's became an institution in the Northwest Indiana community.  Every year to show his appreciation, Tom gives back to the community by sponsoring youth sports such as little league, football, basketball.  Gelsosomo's also sponsors organization events such as church, union, and donations to local non-profit organizations.

The Timeline

1979 - Tom Gelsosomo opens his first restaurant in Portage, Indiana.

1989 - Gelsosomo's Pizza won an award naming them the Best Tasting Pizza in Porter County.

1990 - Gelsosomo's Franchise Corp. founded. The new franchise company was given clearance by the State of Indiana to begin its franchise expansion program.

1990 - A site in Chesterton, Indiana was chosen. Mr. Ron Nabhan opens the first franchise.

1991 - Gelsosomo's growing popularity was proven when their pizza was named Best Tasting Pizza in Northwest Indiana.

1995 - Experiencing much success at his Chesterton location, Mr. Nabhan opens a carryout and delivery location inside Innman's Recreation Center in Valparaiso, Indiana.

2000 - A new site in Valparaiso, Indiana was selected for a full service restaurant to relocate the pizzeria at Innman's Recreation Center.

2003 - A site was chosen in Michigan City, Indiana for a full service restaurant.

2005 - The train depot in Saint Joseph Michigan was selected for a full service restaurant at historical Silver Beach.

2007- A site was chosen in Crown Point Indiana for a full service restaurant.