Thanksgiving at Gene & Georgetti: Tradition, Tips, and a Whole Lot of Heart

I recently spent a morning on WGN talking all things Thanksgiving—hosting tips, thoughtful touches for your holiday table, and of course, the story behind my family’s restaurant, Gene & Georgetti. Any time I get to talk about hospitality and heritage in the same breath, I’m in my happy place. And if you know me, you know Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because it’s really about what matters most: gathering, connection, and great food.

What many people don’t realize is that Thanksgiving has always been woven into the Gene & Georgetti story. My grandfather, Gene Michelotti, opened our restaurant in 1941 with his partner, Alfredo “Georgetti” Federighi, after immigrating from Tuscany. They created a place where people felt welcomed, seen, and cared for—where hospitality wasn’t a performance, but a way of life. That is still our heartbeat today, three generations later.

So when WGN asked me to come on and talk Thanksgiving, I naturally leaned into everything I’ve learned both as a wedding planner and as someone raised in this industry. My biggest advice was simple: elegance doesn’t mean complicated, and hosting doesn’t have to break you. A beautiful table, a thoughtful menu, and a relaxed, warm energy go farther than any trend ever will. Add a story or two from your family history, and suddenly the day feels intentional rather than stressful.

At Gene & Georgetti, we take that same philosophy into our Thanksgiving service. This year, we’re welcoming guests on Thanksgiving Day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. with a holiday menu that blends tradition with the signature Italian-American classics we’re known for. Think roasted turkey with all the fixings, Chicken alla Joe (a beloved favorite), broiled salmon, a Tomahawk for those who simply can’t resist a great steak even on Thanksgiving, and sides that bring the whole thing together. Dessert, naturally, is non-negotiable. You can view the full Thanksgiving menu here.

Preparation is underway, the team is excited, and the restaurant already has that warm holiday glow to it. What I love most about Thanksgiving at Gene & Georgetti is the energy inside the dining room—families who’ve been joining us for years, couples creating new traditions, groups of friends claiming a table as “their” holiday spot. It’s a day when our history and Chicago’s history feel beautifully intertwined.

Whether you join us at the restaurant or host at home, my hope is the same: that your Thanksgiving feels joyful, effortless, and full of connection. And if you do join us, know that you’ll be welcomed exactly the way my grandfather intended when he first opened our doors—with warmth, sincerity, and a sense that you’re part of something special.

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours.