Our History

Avanti's Italian Restaurant was established in Normal, Illinois in June of 1971. Originally, 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. In June of 2009, Marcus and Richard opened a second Bloomington-Normal location at 3302 East Empire in Bloomington, Illinois. Albert now owns five Avanti’s Italian Restaurants in Peoria/East Peoria/Pekin, Illinois.

Our restaurant cooks and serves home style pasta, pizza, and sandwiches that are available through dine-in, carry-out, delivery and our banquet room. Avanti’s trademark however, is wonderful, fresh Italian bread which is prepared and baked in our restaurant kitchen. We have long been an institution for Illinois State University students and faculty and frequently see 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. Avanti’s Italian Restaurant provides a very rare combination of homelike surroundings and high quality food.

Our company has developed a reputation for consistent, non-complicated dining through years of constant attention to details of our operations which include never stinting on the quality of raw food we select, nor trying to short cut its preparation. Service has been, and will continue to be, personal and friendly to every guest who enters the door.

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