The Story
Michael and Carmela Fiore opened their delicatessen in 1970 at the tree-lined intersection of Erie Street and Oakley Boulevard. The business started as a candy corner store run by Michael's parents before the newlyweds bought it out and transformed it into a full Italian deli with homemade dinners and specialty items.
Fiore's claimed to be the first deli in Chicago to sell pepper and egg sandwiches - the classic Italian Catholic dish created by immigrants who couldn't eat meat on Fridays. Michael's version, with carefully spiced and roasted peppers, was named #1 by both the Sun-Times and Tribune. What started as a Lent-only special became a year-round menu item.
In February 2021, the Fiores announced their retirement via Facebook: '2020 made us realize that life is precious, we cannot take anything for granted.' After 50 years of seven-day weeks, the pepper and egg reign ended.
🍽 Signature Dishes
Named #1 in Chicago by Sun-Times and Tribune - eggs scrambled with spiced roasted peppers on French bread
Made in-house for five decades
💡 Did You Know?
- Michael Fiore claimed his deli was the first to sell pepper and egg sandwiches in Chicago
- The pepper and egg sandwich was created by Italian immigrants who couldn't eat meat on Fridays
- The Tribune and Sun-Times both named Fiore's version the best in the city
👤 Notable People
🏙 What's There Now
[VERIFY current tenant]
Original Address: 2258 W. Erie St., Chicago, IL 60612