A well-known, family-operated Peoria bar and pizzeria is celebrating 100 years in business, complete with a special anniversary logo and an honorary street designation from the city.
Friends, family and fans of Agatucci’s Restaurant gathered Wednesday for a kickoff celebration at the eatery that originally opened as a grocery store in 1926 and has become what Mayor Rita Ali called “one of Peoria’s most beloved institutions.”
Co-owner Tony Agatucci credited support from Peoria and its residents for the restaurant’s continued success and popularity.
“We have so much to be thankful for here,” he said. “A fantastic, perfect community, not only to grow up in and live my whole life here. All the friends we have, the community, the City of Peoria has been so good to us, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else than right here in Central Illinois.”
Joining him in thanking the community, Danny Agatucci reflected on his ancestors and the generations that kept the business alive for a century, beginning with their great grandfather, Vincenzo Agatucci.
“He landed in at Ellis Island in 1905 with $18 in his pocket, didn’t know the language, new culture, new foods, new history … talk about overwhelming,” he said, reflecting on the sacrifices made over the years that allowed the business to adapt and endure.
City officials and family members capped off the midday party by revealing the “Via Agatucci” street sign at the intersection of University Street and Gift Avenue.
“Agatucci’s has been more than a restaurant. It’s been a gathering place, a tradition and a living piece of our city’s history,” said Ali.
“Agatucci’s isn’t just part of the Peoria story, it is Peoria stories: immigrant roots, strong work ethic, family values and the belief that when you treat people right, they’ll keep coming back.”
The event also featured the unveiling of a commemorative anniversary logo, with a gold “100” and “Agatucci’s” in red across the interlocking zeroes, and the Italian phrase “Cent’ Anni” across the bottom.
“When you think about gold circles and gold bands, that just means long-term commitment and endurance and relationship,” said fan club member Maggie Misselhorn. “Not only is the relationship between the family, but with all of us in the community and everything you’ve done for us.”
Dave Templin, self-described “ring leader” of the Agatucci’s fan club, announced the year-long anniversary celebration will include special quarterly events, culminating with an August main event during the Peoria Italian-American Society’s annual Heritage Fest.
