
Our Story
Our Story

It is our greatest pride to share our story, beginning over 100 years ago, in the service and hospitality industry right here in the heart of Chicago.
It all began in 1924 when a young immigrant from Italy named Giuseppe Marchetti opened the world-famous Como Inn restaurant on Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago. The iconic establishment grew from a single dining room in the 1920's to a landmark Chicago restaurant with over 1,000 seats and 13 separate banquet rooms, first under the guidance of Giuseppe and his wife Yolanda, and later by their eldest son Joe and his three brothers Larry, Steve, and Paul.
Throughout the years the Como Inn continued to earn recognition for outstanding food in a delightfully familiar atmosphere. The Marchetti family built a name in the city around sharing experiences, sharing meals and sharing stories.
The Marchettis welcomed numerous politicians, entertainers, athletes and locals for an “all walks of life” environment.
Being the son of Italian immigrants, Joe Marchetti had great pride in all things Italian. In addition to his love of Italian food and wine, he also developed a great passion for Italian sports cars—especially Ferraris. So in the late 1970's Joe Marchetti purchased the property that is now Galleria Marchetti to start a classic car business focused mainly on the front engine V12 Ferraris of the 1950's and 1960's that so captured his imagination.
Throughout the late 1970's and 1980's Joe ran International Auto, Ltd. at 825 W. Erie St. while also managing his family's famed Como Inn restaurant. The two businesses were just a stone's throw away from each other and it was not uncommon for good Como Inn customers to come to the Como Inn for lunch and end up leaving with a beautiful classic red Ferrari.
In the mid-1990's Joe wound down International Auto and renamed the property "Galleria Marchetti" to focus on utilizing the space for special events. At first it functioned as a satellite banquet room for the Como Inn but quickly acquired its own identity as a unique event destination.
In 2002 Joe died after a brave battle with brain cancer and JP Marchetti, the only child of Joe and his wife Mary Jane, took over the business.
In 2007 JP married Corey Smith at Galleria Marchetti. The wedding was filmed as the Wedding Wars episode of Top Chef: Chicago.
JP and Corey continue to own and operate Galleria Marchetti. They welcomed twin sons Matthew and Michael in 2013.
But Galleria Marchetti is not just about the Marchettis. It is also about all of the hard work and dedication of the staff, many of whom have been with Galleria Marchetti and Marchettis for decades. Head chef Enrique "Ricky" Sanchez began working at the Como Inn during the 1960's alongside his father Agustin "Augie" Sanchez. And head banquet captain Jose Padilla first started at the Como Inn in 1971.
For over 100 years, the Marchetti family has been rooted in Chicago hospitality. Their story began in 1924 when Italian immigrant Giuseppe Marchetti opened the legendary Como Inn on Milwaukee Avenue. What started as a single dining room grew into one of Chicago’s most beloved Italian restaurants, known for exceptional food, warm hospitality, and a welcoming atmosphere for people from all walks of life.
In the late 1970s, Joe Marchetti expanded the family legacy by purchasing the property that would become Galleria Marchetti. Originally home to his classic Ferrari business, International Auto, the space evolved in the 1990s into a one-of-a-kind event venue. Following Joe’s passing in 2002, his son JP Marchetti continued the family tradition, growing Galleria Marchetti into one of Chicago’s premier destinations for weddings, celebrations, and special events.
Today, JP and Corey Marchetti continue to lead the business with the same family values and commitment to hospitality that began generations ago. Alongside a dedicated staff—many of whom have been part of the Marchetti family for decades—Galleria Marchetti remains a place where people gather to celebrate, share meals, and create lasting memories.
For over 100 years, the Marchetti family has been rooted in Chicago hospitality. Their story began in 1924 when Italian immigrant Giuseppe Marchetti opened the legendary Como Inn on Milwaukee Avenue. What started as a single dining room grew into one of Chicago’s most beloved Italian restaurants, known for exceptional food, warm hospitality, and a welcoming atmosphere for people from all walks of life.
In the late 1970s, Joe Marchetti expanded the family legacy by purchasing the property that would become Galleria Marchetti. Originally home to his classic Ferrari business, International Auto, the space evolved in the 1990s into a one-of-a-kind event venue. Following Joe’s passing in 2002, his son JP Marchetti continued the family tradition, growing Galleria Marchetti into one of Chicago’s premier destinations for weddings, celebrations, and special events.
Today, JP and Corey Marchetti continue to lead the business with the same family values and commitment to hospitality that began generations ago. Alongside a dedicated staff—many of whom have been part of the Marchetti family for decades—Galleria Marchetti remains a place where people gather to celebrate, share meals, and create lasting memories.
1924 Guiseppe Marchetti opens the world famous Como Inn
1932 Giuseppe marries Yolanda Mucci, a cashier at The Como Inn
1934. Joe Marchetti, who will eventually open Galleria Marchetti, is born to Giuseppe and Yolanda
1975 Joe Marchetti purchases 825 W. Erie St to showcase and sell his classic Ferraris
1980's The Marchetti brothers start hosting events at their family estate, Montefiori is born
1989. Joe Marchetti remodels the showroom Galleria Marchetti is born


1990 A 6,000 square foot tented pavilion is added to Galleria Marchetti
1995 Joe Marchetti starts Marchetti Special Events
2002 Joe Marchetti passes away from brain cancer
2005 JP meets Corey Smith at a New Year’s Eve event at Galleria Marchetti
2007 JP and Corey's wedding is featured as the “Wedding Wars” episode on Bravo’s hit reality show “Top Chef”
2008 The original room called Galleria Marchetti is remodeled
2013 Renovation of outdoor event space and construction of New Outdoor Tented Pavilion begins
2016 La Pergola is built.
2017 Firewood pizza ovens are built
2021 Antique bar added to the indoor cocktail Montecatini space
2021 Newly renovated, paved courtyard built featuring our new Italian designed arbor
2022 La Pergola Couple's Suite is built
2008 The original room called Galleria Marchetti is remodeled
2013 Renovation of outdoor event space and construction of New Outdoor Tented Pavilion begins
2016 La Pergola is built.
2017 Firewood pizza ovens are built
2021 Antique bar added to the indoor cocktail Montecatini space
2021 Newly renovated, paved courtyard built featuring our new Italian designed arbor
2022 La Pergola Couple's Suite is built

Testimonials
Shared experience.
Shared memories of La Pergola at Galleria Marchetti
Shared memories of
La Pergola at Galleria Marchetti

Engagement Party
An Intimate ‘Yes’ in the Pergola
This engagement party unfolded beneath the Pergola’s openable roof, which was rolled back as evening fell—revealing the stars above and creating a truly magical atmosphere. Surrounded by greenery and soft lighting, guests enjoyed heartfelt toasts and an intimate celebration that felt both romantic and unforgettable.
When the roof opened and we could see the stars, it was pure magic. The Pergola felt incredibly special—like the night was designed just for us.

Engagement Party
An Intimate ‘Yes’ in the Pergola
This engagement party unfolded beneath the Pergola’s openable roof, which was rolled back as evening fell—revealing the stars above and creating a truly magical atmosphere. Surrounded by greenery and soft lighting, guests enjoyed heartfelt toasts and an intimate celebration that felt both romantic and unforgettable.
When the roof opened and we could see the stars, it was pure magic. The Pergola felt incredibly special—like the night was designed just for us.

Enjoy every moment
Enjoy every moment
Let’s turn your experience into something beautiful.
Get in touch for a consultation today.
Let’s turn your experience
into something beautiful.
Get in touch for a free
consultation today.
Let’s turn your experience into something beautiful.
Get in touch for a consultation today.