Aurelio’s cooks up heart-shaped pizza

Heart-shaped pizza is once again debuting at select Aurelio’s Pizza locations today, Feb. 14.

Valentine’s Day has always been popular at all 42 Aurelio’s Pizza locations across six states because of its role in many first dates and appeal to families. Of course, heart-shaped pizzas add to the aura.

With a 53-year history, generations of couples began their romances at an Aurelio’s Pizza location. On Valentine’s Day, these couples celebrate at Aurelio’s to remind themselves of those initial sparks.

They are joined by the expanded couples that have grown into families.

Italian pizzerias are among the most family-friendly restaurants at which to honor Valentine’s Day because pizza pleases palates of all ages. In fact, according to a January 2013 online survey of 923 men and women by Restaurant.com, enjoying Italian cuisine in a restaurant is the celebration of choice on February 14.

A full 49 percent of respondents selected Italian cuisine for their romantic repast, followed by fondue (12 percent) and French cuisine (11 percent); 75 percent indicated restaurant plans.

“We definitely see an increase in business on Valentine’s Day,” said Kirk Mauriello, director of franchising, Aurelio’s Pizza. “It’s more than heart-shaped pizza, though. About half of our locations offer heart-shaped pizzas; some offer special buffets, some give roses to the ladies. It’s the day of love. We certainly appreciate all of our customers who love Aurelio’s and we try hard to make their Valentine’s Day celebrations extra special.”

Heart-shaped pizzas will be available at the following Aurelio’s Pizza locations: Addison, Crete, Downers Grove, Frankfort, Geneva, LaGrange, Las Vegas North, Lockport, Mokena, Morris, Naperville-Hobson, Naperville-Springbrook Square, New Lenox, Oakbrook, Plainfield, Portage, South Holland, Tinley Park and Woodridge. For location information visit www.aureliospizza.com.

With a history as rich and entrenched in the community as the pizza it’s famous for, the very first Aurelio’s restaurant opened on Ridge Road in Homewood, as the pride and joy of Joseph A. Aurelio, Jr. who decided to give it a go as a restaurateur at the age of 26.

With its legendary “old oven” dating back to 1959 in its Homewood location, Aurelio’s was one of the pioneers of the family pizzeria concept in the United States and helped to launch pizza into the American lexicon.