In 1977, the Castrogiovanni family opened the local favorite Giovanni's Restaurant. In February 1989, Joe & Sue Castrogiovanni left other careers behind to run the famed establishment. From 1996 thru 1999 they quadrupled the size of the original 10, 000 square foot facility to 40, 000 square feet and added Big Al's Bar, an upscale entertainment and jazz bar with a bar menu that includes pasta dishes, sandwiches appetizers & much more. Giovanni's Restaurant and Convention Center is known for its good food, service and is competitively priced. "We are locally owned and are here on a daily basis. We enjoy our customers, " says Sue. "This is more like our club and you are the member, " adds Joe. Joe & Sue's son, Al Castrogiovanni, attended DePaul University in Chicago, and is a graduate of the Illinois Institute of Chicago-Culinary Arts Program and has experience cooking at fine Chicago restaurants. "I really enjoy seeing people have a great time over a meal. That is what keeps you energized through a long day and night in the kitchen. You have to love it and I do. It is my passion, " says Al.