“Best Pizza in Central illinois!"

Mario’s Pizza, a family-owned treasure on Historic Route 66, has a heartwarming legacy that began as the Cozy Inn, a vital Santa Fe bus stop in the 1930s and 1940s. It initially gained fame for its quick and friendly service to travelers, offering a comforting stop for a quick meal, a cold beer, or a scoop of ice cream. Its significance was heightened during the bustling days of the 1933 and 1934 Chicago World’s Fair.

The story of Mario’s Pizza is deeply entwined with Julie’s family, spanning generations of dedication and care. Julie's grandmother and great grandmother both worked at the original Cozy Inn, laying the foundation for a long-standing family connection to this cherished place. The restaurant evolved from a liquor store and bar into the warm, inviting Mario's Pizza in 1975, lovingly nurtured by Mario and Linda Todino. Over four decades, Mario’s Pizza has become more than just a restaurant; it's a living gallery filled with memories and history, celebrating the legacy of Route 66 and its community.

Under Julie and Jerry Causer’s loving management, Mario’s Pizza has continued to flourish as a family-run haven, known for its delicious food and inviting atmosphere. It stands today as a vibrant meeting spot where guests from all over the world come to enjoy not just a meal, but a piece of local history and the warm, welcoming spirit of a family’s lifelong dedication.