An Illinois pizza place that started more than six decades ago has grown to include two Northwest Indiana locations.

Family has remained the focus at Capri’s Pizza, which opened in 2011 in Schererville.

“We’ve always had a good following because of our South Chicago store,” said Benedetto Ciannamea, who is partners in Capri’s Pizza with his father, Len Ciannamea.

“People have been flocking to Northwest Indiana for years. They would literally drive back to the South Side of Chicago to get our pizza and chicken, so we took their advice. We opened up here, and it’s been great.

“We have families that come in every Saturday. They’re 56 years old and eating our pizza since they were 10 years old.”

Here is the dish on this eatery:

On the menu: “There are three things we’re known for: our pizza, of course; our broasted chicken and our Italian beef,” said Benedetto Ciannamea, of Schererville.

“We’ve got a good, well-balanced pizza sauce between a little bit of sweetness and a little bit of spicy. I love it. It’s just got the right amount of sweetness without being overly sweet. There’s nothing like our Italian beef. The au jus is homemade. We actually have a little bit of spice in our beef juice. It’s really got a lot of flavor. As far as broasted chicken, it’s cooked in a pressure cooker. Unlike fried chicken, you’re getting a crispy outside that’s not greasy. You get a juicy piece of chicken.”

About the owners: “I’m third generation. My grandfather Tony started Capri’s in 1955 on the Southwest Side of Chicago. My father, Len, still works with me. He runs South Chicago, but he’s very much involved in Schererville and some of Crown Point as well. Both of my parents are actually involved in the stores as well,” said Benedetto Ciannamea, whose mother is Lena Ciannamea. “Pizza’s in my blood. My mom’s side of the family owns Palermo’s in Oak Lawn.”

A mission statement: “I’m always looking to add things that appeal to our customers,” said Benedetto Ciannamea, who recently introduced cauliflower crust due to a customer request and was the brainchild behind adding pizza Margherita and Alfredo sauce to the menu.

“We’re proud to serve the people. Family is very important to us. Our customers are very important to us. I like the personal aspect of being a family business owner and operator.”

Decor: “It’s like you’re eating at your grandma’s kitchen table. It’s casual. It’s welcoming. It’s a family environment, and it’s a very warm environment,” said Benedetto Ciannamea about the restaurant, which seats 45.

Specialties: “We pretty much stuck to the traditions of what my grandfather started,” said Benedetto Ciannamea.

“We cut and grind our own sausage. We do everything ourselves. Our food quality is so good and brings people back.”

We’re different because: “We do a lot of catering. We have very customizable catering options,” said Benedetto Ciannamea, who runs the Schererville and Crown Point locations, the latter of which marked its one-year anniversary in April.

Prices: Start at $1.95 for appetizers and sides, $1.99 for desserts, $4.45 for pizza, $5.49 for homemade sandwiches, $5.95 for chicken and ribs, $6.75 for pasta and $8.49 for seafood.

Logistics: Capri’s Pizza is at 837 Main St., Schererville. Call 219-865-9100. Capri’s Pizza also has a Crown Point location at 1234 N. Main St., 219-661-2300. Hours are 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays. Go to caprispizza.com.

Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.