Calderone making way to the heart and souls of Milwaukee community through delicious food and generosity
Calderone: A Community-Driven Business
Calderone is a family-owned business that has been a staple in the community for over 30 years. With its commitment to quality food and excellent customer service, it has become a beloved institution in the area. The restaurant’s founder, Tony Calderone, had a vision of creating a space where families and friends could come together to enjoy a good meal and each other’s company. Today, his legacy lives on through the dedication of his family and staff.
A History of Calderone
The history of the Calderone Club dates back to 1945 when pizza was first introduced to Milwaukee and popularized by Joe Todaro and John Caravella at the Caradaro Club in Milwaukee’s Third Ward. In 1969, Antonio Fazzari, Gino’s father, purchased the Caradaro Club from Joe Todaro and acquired the famous pizza recipe.
After a few years, in 1973, Antonio sold the Caradaro Club to his brother-in-law and moved back to Italy with his family. However, the Fazzari family returned to Milwaukee in 1976 and opened the Calderone Club on the East side of the city using the famous Caradaro pizza recipe. The restaurant quickly became popular among the locals, and in 1983, the Calderone Club downtown opened its doors.
The downtown location became the flagship restaurant of the Calderone Club, serving delicious Italian cuisine and providing an unparalleled dining experience. In 1997, Gino Fazzari, Antonio’s son, took over ownership and operations of the Calderone Club downtown.
Giving Back to the Community
Over the years, the Calderone Club has hosted numerous events and fundraisers, giving back to the community that has supported them for decades. From golf outings to charity auctions, the restaurant has always been at the forefront of supporting local causes.
One of the most notable events organized by the Calderone Club is the annual “Italian Open” golf tournament, which is a fundraiser for the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation. The tournament is held in memory of Antonio Fazzari, who lost his battle with cancer in 2004. The event has raised thousands of dollars for cancer research and has become a beloved tradition in the Milwaukee community.
One of their most significant events is the annual “Pizza for Patriots” fundraiser, which supports the Wounded Warrior Project. Through this event, Calderone has raised thousands of dollars for the charity.
Accomplishments and Awards
Calderone’s commitment to quality and service has not gone unnoticed. The restaurant has won numerous awards over the years, including
- 2020 – 16th of 1,308 Restaurants in Milwaukee, Tripadvisor
- 2020 – Top 3 Italian restaurants in Milwaukee, Yelp
- 2015-2020-Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 5 years in a row
- 2019 – 4th place, Milwaukee’s Best Italian restaurant, onmilwaukee.com
- 2018 – 3rd place, Milwaukee’s Best Italian restaurant, onmilwaukee.com
- 2018 – Winner, editors pick, Best Pizza, onmilwaukee.com
- 2017 – 4th place, Milwaukee’s Best Italian restaurant, onmilwaukee.com
- 2016 – 3rd place, Milwaukee’s Best Italian restaurant, onmilwaukee.com
- 2015 – Winner, Milwaukee’s Best Italian restaurant, onmilwaukee.com
- 2014 – 2nd place, Milwaukee’s Best Italian restaurant, onmilwaukee.com
- 2013 – 2nd place, Milwaukee’s Best Italian restaurant, onmilwaukee.com
- 2012 – Winner, Best Meatballs in Milwaukee, First Place at the Milwaukee Meatball Challenge
- 2011 – Winner, Best Pizza Editors Choice, onmilwaukee.com
- 2010 – Winner, Best Pizza, Editor’s Choice, onmilwaukee.com
- 2008 – Winner, Best Pizza in Milwaukee, 2nd overall in Southeast Wisconsin, Fox 6
In addition to these awards, Calderone has been featured in several publications, including Pizza Today and Pizza Marketplace. The restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients and authentic Italian cuisine has been recognized by food critics and customers alike.
In-Conclusion
The Calderone Club is a Milwaukee institution that has been serving delicious Italian cuisine for generations. From its humble beginnings in the 1940s to its present-day status as a renowned restaurant, the Calderone Club has always been committed to providing the best possible dining experience to its customers. Their generosity and dedication to the community have earned them a special place in the hearts of Milwaukeeans, and their numerous awards and accolades are a testament to their excellence.
