Aurelio's Pizza food truck is best kept secret among South Chicago professionals

For many working professionals, finding time to run out for lunch can be difficult. Even if one can catch a break for food on busy days, options for a quick lunch are limited by proximity. In a recent survey by the American Dietetic Association, 60% of working professionals now resort to eating lunch at their desks, either ordering-in or brown bagging it. And, that can make the work day drag.

The reality is that people need mental breaks in order to function best. So, how do they accomplish that while eating in a cubicle playing solitaire? One way is with a meal they consider to be a treat – one that gives them a few minutes of “me enjoying what I enjoy” to refresh and refuel so they have something to give to the second part of their day.

Professionals in Homewood, Flossmoor, Olympia Fields, Chicago Heights and South Holland have a lunch option that offers a favorite taste many grew up on right at their office doorstep. Aurelio’s Pizza. And, while not everyone can make it to Homewood over lunch, Aurelio’s comes to them.

One of the best-kept secrets for Aurelio’s Pizza in Homewood is its food truck that has been delivering its signature menu items to professionals on Chicago’s South Side since 1994. Aurelio’s never set out to get into the food truck business. The company’s original intent was to use its truck to deliver large orders of pizzas to schools, businesses and the many charity and special events it caters. But once Aurelio’s began using the truck to serve lunch, the concept caught on quick and the current driver, Rosie Settle, continues to visit local businesses today.

“Pizza is the ultimate comfort food, especially Aurelio’s because so many people grew up on it,” said Kirk Mauriello, director of franchising, “I think that’s one reason we are so popular. If you are eating at your desk, it’ not just about feeding your hunger, it’s still about enjoyment. Pizza makes people happy. Plus, like our regular delivery service, the pizza is cooked at our Homewood location and sent out hot and fresh.”

In addition to its famous pizza, Aurelio’s and its food truck driver Rosie serve up some of Aurelio’s menu favorites including pasta, sandwiches, salads and soups to provide busy professionals with lots of quick and delicious options when they can’t leave the office. And, believe it or not, “lunch” occurs earlier for some than one might think. In fact, Rosie’s earliest stop is 9:00 a.m., because shift workers are eating at this hour.

“Our food truck is special in that customers can even call ahead for special requests and we try to accommodate them,” said Rosie. “Plus, even when they have their favorites, it’s a great opportunity to try new items they may not have tried in the restaurant at lunch portion prices.”

Each day the Aurelio’s Pizza truck visits a variety of locations in the Southside Chicago area including many industrial, commercial, medical and government offices. Rosie sees many familiar smiling faces along her route but would gladly visit additional locations to bring a bit of “me time” during lunch to new customers.

To request a stop near your office call the Homewood Aurelio’s location at (708) 798-8050.