Gene & Georgetti, Chicago’s original Tuscan steakhouse since 1941, will commemorate its 85th anniversary with a special street dedication in honor of Anthony A. Durpetti (1944–2024). This momentous event marks not only a tribute to a beloved figure in the city’s culinary and cultural landscape but also a milestone in the enduring legacy of one of Chicago’s most iconic family-run restaurants—now proudly led by his daughter, Michelle Durpetti, the first woman to take the helm.

Since opening its doors in 1941, Gene & Georgetti has stood as a cornerstone of Chicago’s culinary heritage. Revered for its warm, familial atmosphere and timeless menu rooted in Italian tradition, the restaurant has welcomed everyone from Hollywood stars to generations of devoted locals. Through decades of change, it has remained steadfast in its identity: a celebration of Italian hospitality, classic steakhouse fare, and community.

Today, under the leadership of Michelle Durpetti, the restaurant continues to honor its past while evolving for the future—infusing tradition with innovation to ensure its place in the next chapter of Chicago’s dining scene.

Anthony “Tony” Durpetti, a proud third-generation Italian-American, was born in 1944 to Aldo and Mary Durpetti and raised in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. His early life was marked by strong family values, community involvement, and a deep-rooted connection to his heritage. After serving in the U.S. Army, Tony launched a successful advertising career, eventually founding Durpetti & Associates, a national firm.

In 1989, following the passing of his father-in-law and restaurant co-founder Gene Michelotti, Tony and his wife Marion stepped in to carry the torch of Gene & Georgetti. Over the next three decades, Tony transformed the beloved institution into a landmark destination known for excellence and warmth, expanding its reach with additional locations and a presence at Midway Airport.

Tony was more than a restaurateur—he was a generous community leader who supported over 75 charitable organizations annually and remained active in Italian-American cultural initiatives. His legacy of philanthropy, leadership, and unwavering dedication to family lives on through the continued work of Gene & Georgetti.

Tony Durpetti passed away in September 2024 after a courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis and Parkinson’s disease. He is survived by his beloved wife Marion, daughter Michelle, son-in-law Collin, and numerous extended family members and cherished pets. His humor, generosity, and passion for bringing people together leave a lasting imprint on all who knew him.

The street dedication ceremony will usher in a year of celebratory events marking Gene & Georgetti’s 85th anniversary. Guests can look forward to exclusive initiatives, special events, retail product launches, and the highly anticipated opening of the restaurant’s expanded alfresco dining spaces—further proof that this Chicago institution continues to thrive while honoring the past.

“I’m like a hotel, I have room for everyone.” - Tony Durpetti

Gene & Georgetti, since 1941.

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