RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, This year, Al's #1 Italian Beef Restaurant, affectionately known to Chicago as "Al's," celebrates its 80-year anniversary; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of this milestone by the Honorable Daniel Solis, Alderman ofthe 25th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Al's #1 Italian Beef Restaurant began in 1938 when AI Ferrari and his sister and brother-in-law, Frances and Chris Pacelli, Sr., created the original Italian beef sandwich; and
WHEREAS, The first Italian beef sandwich was formed out of necessity during the Great Depression, when times were hard and meat was scarce. Beef was sliced very thin to make it go father, placing it atop delicious fresh Italian bread; and
WHEREAS, The family started out selling the tasty sandwiches at a neighborhood food stand and delivering them to local businesses. Al's began expanding to other neighborhoods and ultimately moved its primary operation to its current location at 1079 West Taylor Street; and
WHEREAS, Chris Pacelli Sr.'s sons Terry, Chuck and Chris carried on their family's tradition of serving the same great food that it did when it began its original operation 80 years ago; and
WHEREAS, Since opening, the restaurant has been tremendously successful. Many culinary honors have been awarded to Al's, including Best Sandwich in America, Best Sandwich Shop in America, and Top Food To Eat In Chicago Before You Die. Al's has received over 150 culinary and critic awards; and
WHEREAS, People have traveled from all over the world to visit Al's, including television and movie stars, late night talk show hosts, athletes, news cooking show hosts, food critics and even tour buses full of people. Once, an entire village in Italy made the trip to Chicago to sample Al's Italian Beef; and
WHEREAS, Al's #1 Italian Beef Restaurant has become a cherished institution in Chicago, a gem that continues to grow and contribute to the unique character of our fine city; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the M...
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