Avanti's Italian Restaurant was established in Normal, Illinois in June of 1971.  At first the restaurant was jointly owned and managed by two brothers, Guido and Albert Zeller.  In 1973, Guido bought out his brother and ran the operation as the sole proprietor until he passed away in 2002.  Guido's brother Leo joined the operation in 1976 and was an integral part of the business along the way.  Today, Guido's two sons, Marcus and Richard are involved in the ownership and management of the business.  Albert now owns 3 Avanti's Italian Restaurants in Peoria/East Peoria, Illinois.

Guido Zeller came to the United States from Switzerland with his wife in 1961.  Guido worked as a cheese-maker and then salesman for almost 10 years at the Walnut Cheese Company, located in Northern Illinois.  After seeing the success of his brother Albert's restaurant, Guido decided to open a similar restaurant in Normal.  Over the years, Avanti's Italian Restaurant has grown from 6 employees in 1971 to over 200 employees today.

Our restaurant cooks and serves home style pasta and pizza dishes as dine-in, carry-out, and delivery.  Avanti's trademark however, is its Gondola^® sandwich, made from Avanti's wonderful fresh Italian bread which is made and baked in the restaurant kitchen.  Over 3,000 loaves of bread are baked each day.  Avanti's has long been an institution for Illinois State University students and faculty, and frequently sees second generation guests and staff members.

Our staff and management are experienced professionals who understand how to prepare and serve steaming hot, delicious Italian meals and fresh bread in a clean and comfortable atmosphere. Our restaurant provides the rare combination of simple homelike surroundings and high quality food.  We have developed a reputation for consistent, simple dining through years of constant attention to details.  We only select high quality raw foods and never try to short cut its preparation.  Service has been and will continue to be personal and friendly to every guest who enters the door.