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22 | May 17, 2018 | 22nd century media Summer Fun Guide
22ndCenturyMedia.com
Traverso’s celebrates more than 40 years in Orland Park
In 1962, with full-time jobs
and small children at home,
John and George Traverso purchased
Ken and Dick’s tavern in
Roseland on Chicago’s southeast
side.
The opening of that restaurant,
their first full-service venture,
in 1968, brought the addition
of “Mama T,” the boy’s
mother. Widowed in 1949 with
four children, Lena worked in
various area Roseland kitchens,
displaying the skills she learned
as a child in her parents’ hotel in
Cesuna, Italy.
Following six years of success
in Mount Greenwood, John and
George ventured west, opening
their first self-named restaurant,
Traverso’s, on Harlem Avenue
in Orland Park. The new restaurant
was met with critical acclaim
and long lines, and with
“Mama T” running the kitchen
and 21-year-old Paul Gabriel
managing the large staff, Traverso’s
flourished.
Within a year, the brothers
sold their other two establishments
to concentrate their efforts
in Orland Park. In fact,
by popular demand, John and
George expanded the restaurant
by 100 seats, to 300, in 1975,
just one year after their opening.
Still a strong presence in Chicago’s
south suburbs, Traverso’s
in Orland Park celebrated 30
years in 2004. And despite the
passing of “Mama T” in 1999, at
age 86, George, John and manager
Paul continue to oversee a
family tradition more than 40
years in the making.
Where we are today
Dine inside in our traditional
Italian dining room or bar during
the winter months and head out
back to our outdoor patio and bar
during the warmer months.
Traverso’s patio is one of the
few places you are permitted to
smoke. Have a cocktail or two
and partake in some entertaining
karaoke at 8 p.m. on Wednesdays
and 8:30 p.m. on Saturdays.
Week Night Specials
Monday - 1/2 Price Pasta
Night: Spaghetti, mostaccioli,
angel hair, linguini, shells, baked
mostaccioli, includes soup or
salad
Tuesday - Family Pizza Night
40 percent off all pizzas (excludes
parties of 10 or more)
Wednesday - Discount Meal
Night: Lasagna, soup or salad
$11.95; full-slab B-B-Q ribs
$17.95; kids under 10 eat free, one
child per adult (kids menu only)
Thursday - Winner Winner,
Chicken Dinner!: All chicken
dinners $11.95, includes soup or
salad
Submitted by Traverso’s Restaurant,
15601 S. Harlem Ave., Orland Park.
For more information, call (708)
532-2220, or visit traversospizza.
com.
Dine under
the Stars!
Family Friendly
Live Music Every Friday, 8pm-11pm
July, August and September
Karaoke on Wednesday at 7:30
and Saturday at 8:30
15601 South Harlem Avenue, Orland Park, IL • 708-532-2220 Hours: Open Daily 4pm • Sunday at Noon