Chicago-based Aurelio’s Pizza to expand to Estero this month

After returning to the Southwest Florida market last fall, Chicago-based Aurelio’s Pizza is expanding to Estero this month.   

“I’m getting ready to open my second Aurelio’s on Monday the 13th in Estero,” said Mark Lichtman, a North Naples resident and franchisee of the historic pizzeria chain especially known for its thin-crust, tavern-style pizzas.  

Aurelio’s is moving into the space vacated last year by Romeo’s Pizza on the corner of Ben Hill Griffin Parkway and Everblades Parkway. The 1,500-square-foot unit is at 19527 Highland Oaks Drive, Suite 205, in The Shoppes at University Highlands, a retail center adjacent to Miromar Outlets. The exterior sign goes up Oct. 2, Lichtman said.   

Last November, Lichtman opened a small takeout and delivery location of Aurelio’s Pizza in North Naples after the chain’s longtime franchise in Naples closed last September at Coastland Center mall. Aurelio’s also formerly had locations operated by other franchisees on U.S. 41 in the city of Naples and at Gulf Coast Town Center in south Fort Myers.  

Ironically, Lichtman launched the only Florida franchises of Aurelio’s in commercial units in Estero and North Naples where both had been locations for short-lived Romeo’s Pizza franchises that had replaced former Clean Juice franchises.  

The Florida locations serve Aurelio’s entire menu of pizza, pasta, sandwiches, salads, appetizers and desserts. The brand’s top-selling item is its thin-crust pizza with its most popular signature variety being the Super Six — “the works” pizza with pepperoni, sausage, ham, mushrooms, green peppers and cheese. Aurelio’s also offers Chicago deep-dish pizza. 

To celebrate its Oct. 13 launch, Aurelio's Pizza of Estero will be offering a free order of  

breadsticks with the purchase of a large pizza on opening day.  

The legendary pizzeria brand began in a Chicago suburb in 1959 and started franchising in 1970. The concept has 34 locations in four states. Aurelio’s first Naples franchise launched in 1996.   

“Our loyal Aurelio's Pizza customers travel from all over Florida for a taste of home,” said Joe Aurelio, president and CEO of the pizzeria chain. “We are excited to call Aurelio's Pope Leo's favorite pizza as he grew up going to the original location in Homewood, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago."   

Lichtman plans to continue expanding Aurelio’s brand to reach new generations along Florida’s west coast. 

“We’ll continue to grow in Southwest Florida and hopefully continue to work our way up the west coast,” he said. “I’m super excited. It is a great privilege to represent the brand and grow the organization.”