Our Story

it’s a good one

Since the late 60s the Lollino family have been dishing up delicious authentic Italian foods…some may say it runs in our blood! It all started with Pina Lollino, Angelo’s mother, who was an Italian immigrant with Sicilian roots and a strong passion to bring the true taste of Italy to Chicago. She served the finest Italian dishes at her renowned restaurant, Ristorante Italia, for over 30 years.

Angelo’s father, Giuseppe, was a master coffee roaster

He owned Caffe Italia right next door. He was one of the first to introduce espresso coffee in the U.S. through his wholesale coffee company and café that also served house-made artisan gelato and sorbetto. This was where Angelo began mastering the details of his family’s businesses, perfecting his craft and building the foundation for the family of brands under Alamode Foods.  

In the ‘90s, Angelo began leading new 
business ventures.

He founded Fratelli Lollino Inc., a specialty coffee roasting company that later became Fratelli Coffee Company. After wholesale success, Angelo sold his coffee company and he 
and his wife Giovanna opened Massa Cafe Italiano in 1999, which features popular menu items highlighted by the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine and Food Network Channel.

Massa has been a staple in Elmwood Park, celebrating 25 years this year. 

In 2008, Angelo partnered with the President and CEO of Roundy’s Supermarkets, Robert Mariano, to create the Vero Coffee & Gelato brand. The two have made their mark across the greater Chicago area, opening more than 40 Vero Coffee & Gelato locations inside Mariano’s grocery stores.  

Alamode food services some of the most well-known Chicago restaurants – Gibson’s, Bar Siena, Quartino to name a few - and partnering with established distributors nationwide – Greco & Sons, Lettieri and Euro USA. Alamode Foods became the parent brand to all of Angelo’s delicious endeavors. 

In his latest venture, Angelo founded a frozen pizza line, Massa Pizza Company, in 2018.

Angelo wanted to be able to share this beloved recipe nationwide, and realized there was a gap in the market for a restaurant quality, authentic, Sicilian pizza. The recipe dates to Ristorante Italia, which then became a staple recipe at Massa Café Italiano. Massa Pizza Company can now be found across the US in major grocery stores and is quickly growing more traction in a highly competitive frozen pizza market nationwide.