Tonelli’s Pizza Pub

Specialties

The Finest Pizzas, Wings, Cheesesteaks, & Hoagies in the Universe! Served in a family friendly sports bar setting.

History

Established in 1993.

Tonelli’s owner Chip Randa dropped out of college in 1993 and could only borrow $ 45,000, which he used to buy a run down pizza business called Tonelli’s on Cottman & Castor Ave in N.E. Philly. After 3 years of barely making ends meet, Chip sold the buisness at a loss and took the brand new Tonelli’s sign he had purchased to Horsham, Pa. to start over again. Within 3 years Tonelli’s had to make a major expansion adding a dinning room and a liquor license to keep up with demand. Then in 2006 Chip was informed that Donatos Pizza was closing their store across the street on Easton Rd. (Rt. 611). Chip literally jumped over the counter and ran to Donatos where he was able to cut a «cocktail napkin» deal to purchase the building and assets 50% below market value. After a long legal battle Tonelli’s won it’s current location on 611 and has become a household name throughout the area. Chip currently has plans to build a massive Tonelli’s Arena concept with over 600 seats soon, stay tuned!

Meet the Business Owner

Chip R.

Business Owner

Chip was raised in Glenside and went to Abington High School, class of 1990. He then attended Temple where he majored in accounting. He started in the food business at age 13 at Murray’s in Jenkintown where he worked the sandwich board for many years. During his college summer breaks in Sea Isle he learned to make pizza at Angelo’s and Casino Steaks. One day Chip took his dad to Deauville Inn and showed him all the people there that paid $ 5 to get in and $ 3 for each beer. Then he broke the news to him that he was going to quit college and wanted to borrow money to start a restaurant. His dad crushed his dream on the spot and they didn’t speak for the rest of the summer. When Chip didn’t go back to school in the fall his dad almost killed killed him. After a long war his dad finally lent him $ 45,000, which could only buy the hole in the wall that was the 1^st Tonelli’s. Chip spent 120 hour each week trying to be a success and prove himself. It took 10 years and 4 locations to make it big