Local Italian restaurant chain turns 50

ChiChi's Pizza, the local Italian restaurant chain, will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year.

The company, recognized by its logo of the friendly chef with the heavyrimmed glasses, is headquartered in Chatsworth with locations in Simi Valley, Santa Clarita and the San Fernando Valley.

Frank Paul Miccolis opened the first Chi-Chi's in Panorama City, Calif., in January 1958.

Miccolis came from Gary, Ind., with his wife, Ida Mae, and experience from working in famous Italian restaurants. Miccolis' son Paul now serves as company president.

During the last 50 years, ChiChi's has stayed true to the original menu. The restaurant uses sauces made daily, fresh pastas and homemade pizza toppings.

Entrees include lasagna al forno, their own ravioli, Italian roast beef sandwich (original Chicago style), golden pressurefried chicken, their own antipasto salad and sourdough rolls.

Chi-Chi's Pizza will host a yearlong celebration that will include giveaways, children's prizes, contests, coupons, retro dishes from the past and new dishes for the future.

For more information, visit www.chichispizza.com.