Nestled at 4431 North Harlem Avenue in Norridge, Rex Italian Foods has been serving traditional Italian flavors to the community for 30 years. Founded by Anthony Pinello when he was just 17, the deli and café are rooted in passion, hard work, and family values. With the help of his mom, who immigrated from Sicily and brought her incredible cooking skills, Anthony has built a beloved local establishment that continues to thrive. “My mom wasn't educated, but she knew how to cook,” Anthony shares. “She was an extrovert, always feeding the customers even before they ordered. She had great people skills and wanted to start something with me in mind.”

Anthony and his wife Renata, who married on March 14, 2009, moved to Thornwood in June 2019. They sought a fresh start in Kane County, specifically looking for a home in the renowned St. Charles School District for their three children: Christian, Stefanie, and Michael. “We loved the neighborhood, the landscaping, the community, the style of the homes, and, of course, the school district,” Renata explains. They also found the location convenient, with access to I90 making Anthony’s commute to Rex Italian Foods manageable. “It made sense for Anthony to get to work off Harlem Avenue.” Today, they are settled in and happy, with Renata saying, “We continue to love living here. It feels like home more than ever.”

Their children, Christian (15), Stefanie (13), and Michael (11), are all thriving in the local schools, with Christian attending St. Charles North and Stefanie and Michael at Wredling Middle School. The family shares their home with an 80-pound Golden Doodle named Sedona, and more recently, they adopted a cat named Toulouse Fenix for their daughter, Stefanie.

Running a small business comes with its challenges, but Anthony and Renata’s dedication is evident. Anthony has worked 6-7 days a week since he started Rex Italian Foods, and in 2024, they made the decision to close on Sundays, recognizing the importance of work-life balance and dedicating more time to family. Renata, with her extensive restaurant industry and real estate background, also provides valuable support to the family business. “The high work ethic and determination to move forward keep us going,” Anthony adds.

The couple believes in providing quality food while adapting to customers’ needs. “When we opened our doors, we had an Italian sub, and we still have the same sub today. But now, people aren’t cooking at home, so we’re selling more prepared foods,” Anthony shares. He has seen trends change over the years, and the rise of third-party delivery services like Uber Eats and GrubHub has impacted how they interact with their customers. “It’s all about third-party delivery now.”

Rex Italian Foods has faced its share of challenges, from construction on Harlem Avenue in the 1990s that hurt foot traffic, to navigating the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. However, Anthony’s experience and adaptability have helped Rex Italian Foods weather every storm. “Experience makes you an expert,” he says. “When selling to the public, you have to be in tune with what they want. If something doesn’t sell, you move on to something else.” That keen sense of understanding has kept Rex thriving despite industry challenges.

The business has received recognition on various media platforms, including WGN Chicago’s Best with Brittney Payton, Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives with Guy Fieri, and popular local morning shows like The U and The Jam. Recently, a TikTok post from @Foxcito gave the business a surge in visibility, bringing new customers through the door. “It’s amazing to feel that kind of community support and see the impact of social media,” Anthony remarks.

In addition to their retail offerings, Rex Italian Foods also caters events for up to 150 people, weddings, and large corporate events with orders of 500 sandwiches or more. “We are passionate about what we do, and there’s a sense of achievement and accomplishment that comes from seeing people enjoy our food,” says Anthony.

Anthony’s advice for aspiring business owners is simple: “If you do business, do it for the love of the business. Don’t do it for the money or the glory. It’s a tough road and it’s very satisfying, you have to be passionate about the craft. Don’t even start if you aren’t passionate, because you won’t have what it takes to continue.” Rex Italian Foods is not just a deli and café; it’s a labor of love that has stood the test of time. 

Renata’s advice for spouses and families of business owners is: “Stay strong and know there will be a lot of lonely times with long hours without your spouse and it will be hard. Prioritize open communication often and understand the demanding nature of the business.  Be supportive and understanding. Celebrate success together and plan quality time together.  The love and pride I have for my husband and children fuels me daily to continue to do the hard work of a stay at home mom, alone most of the time. I love our Lord Jesus with my whole heart and everything I do I do for the Lord; fulfilling my godly purpose as a wife and a mother. A Proverbs 31 woman.”

Anthony and Renata’s commitment to quality, community, and family values continue to make Rex Italian Foods a beloved spot for locals. Whether it’s catering a wedding, serving a classic Italian sub, or simply being a place where people feel at home, Rex Italian Foods is a true Chicagoland treasure.