In 1967, Salvatore Canale ventured out from the small town of Altavilla Milicia in Sicily and embarked on a journey to Chicago with his wife, son, and daughter. Salvatore dreamed of bringing a piece of his background to Chicago and sharing it with others.

 

In 1972, he opened a small carry-out establishment at 4004 W. Addison and called it La Villa. Salvatore took pride in his pizza and enjoyed entertaining the neighborhood kids by flipping pizza dough in the window. After outgrowing the Addison location, in 1976, Salvatore relocated the business to its current location on Pulaski.

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Since its original opening, La Villa has expanded from a small carry-out to a restaurant, including La Strada, catering, and hosting many parties in one of the two banquet areas. Salvatore had his hands in the business until the age of 82. He was proud to pass his recipes and success to his daughter Christina and family, who have continued offering customers authentic Italian food and helping others create memories.