DiLeo’s Pizzeria and Catering Recognized with Golden Chicken Award
March 10th, 2025, Elmhurst, IL
When Frank and Teri DiLeo opened DiLeo’s Pizzeria and Catering, Inc. in 1991, they became the third generation of DiLeos to bring fine food to Chicago. Over the last 34 years, DiLeo’s Pizzeria and Catering has become a steadfast local favorite whose specialties are known far and wide: fresh bread baked daily, homemade pizzas, and crispy Genuine Broaster Chicken®. 
On Thursday, March 6, Frank and Teri were recognized with the Golden Chicken Award for Operator Excellence by the Broaster Company. The Golden Chicken Award is a prestigious award presented by the Broaster Company to a nominated food service operator who is serving exceptional Genuine Broaster Chicken, the Broaster Company’s trademark food program brand.
“We don’t hand this award out often,” remarked Jay Cipra, President and CEO of the Broaster Company on Thursday. “When we have an operator who prepares Genuine Broaster Chicken exactly as it should be, we want to recognize them as being loyal stewards of the Genuine Broaster Chicken Brand.” With this award, the DiLeos join the top tier of Genuine Broaster Chicken operators across the US. Demetri Konstantopoulos of Wood Food Systems, Broaster Company’s Chicagoland distributor, was also recognized for his support of DiLeo’s.
Frank and Teri have been bringing Genuine Broaster Chicken to their customers since they opened, serving more than 2,000 pieces of hot, juicy chicken in an average week. 
During the holidays, their seasonal uptick of chicken orders sees them preparing as many as 1000 pieces per day. “We’re not even the pizza guys, we are the chicken guys,” said Frank Dileo about the popularity of their Genuine Broaster Chicken. “Just this past weekend, we delivered a 90-piece catering order to Rockford,” added Teri, proving that DiLeo’s reputation has spread beyond Elmhurst. Catering orders from all over the Chicago area, even as far away as Indiana, are not uncommon.
The daily operation of DiLeo’s Pizzeria and Catering is the culmination of generations of recipes and traditions handed down from both Frank and Teri’s families. Teri worked at her aunt’s pizzeria as a child and teenager, and her sister owns Nardi’s Pizzeria in Addison. Teri’s father taught Frank how to make his signature bread, a favorite at DiLeo’s. Frank is a third-generation restaurateur, a tradition started with Frank DiLeo’s Walnut Room in Chicago which was subsequently followed by DiLeo’s Restaurant Lounge and Banquets in Chicago and DiLeo’s Park Avenue Banquets in Franklin Park.
Frank’s day starts when he arrives at the restaurant at 6am to bake bread, make pizza crust, mix sausage and prepare the fresh, hand-breaded
chicken for the day. Teri works alongside Frank, preparing food and serving customers, many who are known by name, and closing up shop at the end of the night. Throughout the years, Frank and Teri have had support from their families, including their four children who have invested nights and weekends in the family business. The namesakes of several dishes on the DiLeo’s menu, Frank and Teri’s children are Annamarie (attended Northwestern University), Rocco (attended Dartmouth), Frankie (attended Penn State), and Luca (attended Dartmouth).
Genuine Broaster Chicken lovers and pizza aficionados can stop in at the DiLeo’s Pizzeria and Catering at 193 E. Butterfield Rd in Elmhurst, order delivery from DiLeo’s directly via phone at 630.782.5700 or online at dileospizzeria.com. DiLeos’s has also partnered with Uber Eats, GrubHub and Doordash for seamless mobile ordering. DiLeo’s daily delivery is available to all the surrounding communities including Oak Brook, Hillside, Berkley, Bellwood, Maywood, Loyola, Lombard, Villa Park, Oakbrook Terrace, Orland & Western Springs. No matter the manner the order is placed, customers can expect to get a meal crafted with care from DiLeo’s. “Cooking is an art. We just want to make people happy,” said Teri. “And they love our chicken!”
#BetterBeBroaster
National Fried Chicken Day calls for the best. 🍗
For generations, Genuine Broaster Chicken has delivered the crispy texture, juicy flavor, and quality that customers keep coming back for. Today, we’re celebrating the chicken that started it all.
Happy National Fried Chicken Day from Broaster Company!
Jul 6
Happy Fourth of July from Broaster Company!❤️🤍💙
Today, we’re celebrating freedom, family, and the food that brings people together. Whether you’re gathering for a backyard barbecue, community event, or holiday meal, we’re honored to be part of your tradition.
To find where you can purchase Genuine Broaster Chicken, use our store locator: https://broaster.com/store-locator/
Wishing you a safe and happy Independence Day filled with great food and great company!
Jul 4
"There`s nothing better than a trip to the lake and some crispy Broaster Chicken." 🌊☀️🏖️
Operator Spotlight: @thelodgesouthhaven – South Haven, Michigan
Since 1940, The Lodge has been a staple in South Haven. Originally known as The Curve Inn, the restaurant was purchased by its current owners in 2019 and completely renovated before reopening in 2021. While the space was transformed, their commitment to serving Genuine Broaster Chicken® never changed.
Today, The Lodge is a scratch kitchen in the heart of Michigan`s blueberry country, serving homemade favorites alongside hand-breaded Genuine Broaster Chicken. They put a local twist on their menu with favorites like the Spicy Blueberry Chicken Sandwich. Their love for Broaster Chicken runs so deep that they even top their famous Loaded Lodge Bloody Mary with a Genuine Broaster Chicken tender. The combination of tradition, local flavor, and quality ingredients has made them a destination for both locals and visitors alike.
📍 10336 Blue Star Memorial Highway, South Haven, MI 49090
🌐 www.thelodgesouthhavenmi.com
Next time you`re visiting Southwest Michigan, stop in and experience a South Haven tradition for yourself.
Jul 2
Leftover Genuine Broaster Chicken? Turn it into tomorrow`s lunch! 🥗
Shred up your leftover chicken and add it to your favorite salad for a quick, delicious protein boost. Fresh, flavorful, and a great way to make every bite count.
How do you use your leftover Genuine Broaster Chicken? Let us know in the comments! 🍗
Jun 29
Why do operators love the Broaster Equipment? 🔧🍗
Built for performance, consistency, and safety, the Broaster pressure fryers help operators deliver high-quality food day after day. With programmable cooking profiles, automatic time adjustments, and an integrated filtration system, it’s designed to maximize efficiency while maintaining the quality customers expect.
Reliable. Efficient. Trusted by operators everywhere.
Jun 26
This or That? 👀
Are you choosing the classic crowd-pleaser or turning up the heat?
🍗 Jumbo Popcorn Chicken – made with delicious whole white meat chicken and perfect for sharing.
🌶️ Jumbo Cajun Popcorn Chicken – all the quality you love with a bold Louisiana-style kick.
Which one is a top seller at your location? We would love to hear!
Jun 25
Your customers will thank you. 🙌🏻🐔
When you add the Genuine Broaster Chicken® food program to your menu, you’re serving more than just fried chicken. You’re serving the flavor, quality, and reputation people keep coming back for.
Jun 23
Happy National Onion Ring Day!🧅✨
Our Beer Battered Onion Rings start with whole slices of sweet Spanish onions and finish with a crispy, golden beer batter coating that keeps customers coming back for more.
Reach out to us today to learn more about our frozen foods!
Jun 22
Operator Highlight @fattscafe 🌟
Serving up Genuine Broaster Chicken® along with smash burgers, paninis, pizza, wings, shrimp, cheese curds, and more, Fat T`s Cafe is a must-visit in Cresco, Iowa! 🍗🍔🍕
Stop in for great food and enjoy a selection of beers, seltzers, and Frisky Fox wines. 🍺🍷
📍 128 N Elm St, Cresco, IA
📞 (563) 547-1060
Have you tried Fat T`s Cafe? Let us know your favorite menu item! ⬇️
Jun 17
Let`s start at the beginning.🍗💡🕰️
Before Broaster® became a trusted name in foodservice, there was L.A.M. Phelan, an inventor driven by innovation. In 1954, he introduced the Broaster® Pressure Fryer, pioneering a cooking method that delivered crispy, juicy chicken while improving efficiency in the kitchen.
More than 70 years later, his invention is still helping operators serve great food every day. Innovation starts with an idea.
Jun 15
MYTH: Frozen food means lower quality.❌
FACT: High-quality frozen products help ensure consistency, reduce waste, and simplify kitchen operations. Starting with a ready-to-cook program doesn`t mean sacrificing quality, it means serving great food with greater efficiency.✅
Broaster Express® is the perfect example, delivering the taste, quality, and convenience operators need to keep customers coming back for more.🍗
Less waste. More consistency. Happy customers.
Jun 12
At some point, you’ve just got to let the chicken do the talking. 🍗✨
The crispy coating. The juicy chicken. The flavor.
Ready to see what the hype is about? Visit our website to find Genuine Broaster Chicken® near you.
Jun 11
Happy National Herbs & Spices Day! 🌶️
When people think of Broaster®, they often think of chicken—but our seasonings bring bold flavor to so much more.
Turn up the heat with Nashville Hot. With the perfect balance of flavor and spice, it`s an easy way to add a fiery kick to chicken, sandwiches, wedges, fries, and more.
What would you try with Nashville Hot Spice? 🔥👇
Jun 10
Did You Know? 🤔🍗
Pressure frying does more than cook chicken, it helps seal in moisture!
By cooking under pressure in a sealed environment, natural juices stay locked inside the chicken instead of escaping during the cooking process. The result? Chicken that`s juicier, more tender, and packed with flavor in every bite. 😋
Ready to elevate your operation with pressure frying? Reach out to us today to learn more about our Broaster® Pressure Fryers.🍗
Jun 8
Celebrating 5 Years at Broaster Company! 🎉
Please join us in congratulating Sam B., IT Manager, and Melinda N., FSQA Specialist, on reaching their 5-year anniversaries with Broaster Company.
We are fortunate to have such dedicated team members whose hard work and commitment help drive our success every day.
Congratulations, Sam and Melinda, on this exciting milestone. We appreciate all that you do! 👏
Jun 5
In Wisconsin, National Cheese Day calls for Battered Cheddar Curds 🧀🍺
Dipped in batter infused with craft beer straight from the keg and par-fried to crispy perfection, these golden bites are the ultimate way to celebrate America’s Dairyland.
Add these crowd-pleasing curds to your menu today!
Jun 4
