1972

Harry Sr. & his wife Shirley opened Dirk’s hot dog stand and it quickly became known as the place that serves the best hot dogs, bar none. While Harry Sr. operated the stand, Harry Jr. started selling pizzas from the storage garage out back.

The businesses became so popular that they decided to give the whole complex a facelift.

The hot dog stand was updated to look like a train depot and Enrico’s was born.

1973

Enrico’s started out as a carryout business, specializing in regular and thick crust pizza, fancy young steer liver, and pan fried chicken. Diners could even design their own spaghetti and mostaccioli dishes, just like their pizza. It was also one of the few restaurants at the time with a personal butcher, Harry Sr.’s other son, Bob.

1975

Enrico’s added a dining room for casual sit-down service.

1976

The “Box Cars,” a caboose and box car were added to the restaurant. They were completely renovated inside and out to provide a casual dining atmosphere.

The cars were retired Elgin, Joliet & Eastern freight vehicles. The box car was used by Mason Ball canning firm and the 1912 caboose was the last of its kind made completely of wood.

On theme, Enrico’s introduced the “railroad tie” sandwich, a half-pound ground round served on toasted Italian bread with garlic butter, lettuce, tomato, and grilled onion.

1981

Enrico’s opened their first lounge, serving tropical spirits like the Hurricane as well as margaritas, bloody Mary’s, beer and wine. They also began hosting Ladies Night on Thursdays from 9-1am.

2015

Enrico’s sold the train cars and moved to their new location at 20535 LaGrange Rd, where they continue to serve their family’s decades-old recipes like baked minestrone soup & lasagna, as well as new menu items with a modern twist on Italian pub grub.

2021

Enrico’s launched their annual spaghetti-eating contest, which takes place on stage at Frankfort’s largest outdoor festival, the Frankfort Fall Festival.