The Story
Giuseppe Marchetti arrived in Chicago from Italy and opened the Como Inn in 1924, building it into one of the city's most beloved Italian restaurants. What started as a single dining room grew over the decades into a landmark complex with over 1,000 seats and 13 separate banquet rooms.
The Como Inn became the place where Chicago celebrated. Politicians cut deals in private rooms. Entertainers stopped by after shows. Wedding receptions, anniversary dinners, and family gatherings filled the labyrinthine spaces for three generations. The Marchetti family - Giuseppe, his wife Yolanda, and later their sons Joe, Larry, Steve, and Paul - welcomed everyone with the same warmth.
In 2001, after 77 years, the Como Inn served its last meal. The building was sold for development. The Marchetti family mourned but moved forward, opening Como a few blocks away in 2002 and later launching Galleria Marchetti and other ventures. The spirit lives on, even if the original is gone.
🍽 Signature Dishes
Generations of recipes perfected over 77 years
Private rooms that hosted Chicago's celebrations for decades
💡 Did You Know?
- The restaurant grew to over 1,000 seats and 13 banquet rooms
- The Marchetti grandsons opened a new Como a few blocks away shortly after closure
- The family continues operating Marchetti and Sons Hospitality Group
👤 Notable People
🏙 What's There Now
Building demolished; site redeveloped
Original Address: 546 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60642