Chicago Pizza & Pasta

Chicago Pizza & Pasta History: Roy Funk purchased Pasquale's Pizza in Tifton, Georgia in 1974. The restaurant was located across from Prince Chevrolet on Highway 82. However, in 1986 Roy moved the Pasquale's building to its present location across from the Tifton Mall, then called the Town and Country Mall. Shortly after, a youth group from Northside Baptist Church embarked on a mission trip to Pennsylvania. Two of the group's members, Byron Goggins and Danny Stephens returned from Pennsylvania raving about something they’d had on the trip called a "Stromboli." They encouraged Roy to make one. After several attempts, Roy decided to contact the restaurant in Pennsylvania for directions on how to make one. The owner made one, froze it, and shipped it to Tifton. Roy picked it apart and then crafted his own version which he dubbed the Pizzaroli. When the kids tried it they proclaimed that it was "even better" and the Pizzaroli has remained an area favorite ever since.

Finally, in 1990, Roy changed the name of the restaurant to Chicago Pizza & Pasta. He continued the popular weekday lunchtime buffet, which began in 1974--it was the area's first lunch buffet. After many years of creating pizzas, pizzarolis, and smiles, Roy decided to retire so that he could spend more time traveling and build his dream house. Chicago’s is now owned by Roy’s oldest, Vince, who has been running it since 2006.