Augustus Casear Award | 2026

Frank Battaglia – Restaurant

Frank Battaglia is an entrepreneur, and a stand out in Chicago’s restaurant industry. Born into a family of entrepreneurs especially in Chicago’s food industry. Frank knew at a young age that he wanted to follow in his family’s footsteps. Yet he decided to make his own way and try out the retail end of the industry. At twenty-three, Frank and his brother Austin opened “Stunod’s Pizzeria”. Opening just months before Covid the brothers found a way to not just survive but
thrive.

Establishing their brand in an old school neighborhood on Chicago’s Southside has been no small task. Especially considering that their neighborhood is stacked with some of the best pizza in the Midwest. Yet they have found a way to build a huge reputation with an even larger following. Frank credits getting involved in their community as a big part of their success. Providing many donations to the local parks, hospitals, firehouses, police stations and schools and even providing the pizza for the local baseball parks concessions stands. The brothers pride themselves on more than just pizza. To become a business that last you have to become a true part of the neighborhood.

Frank has also had a pivotal role in Stunod’s pizzeria achieving many accolades and awards as of the likes of being featured on “NBC Chicago”, “PMQ magazine”, “Only in your state”, “Chicago Tribune” and “ The Ultimate Pizza Guide”. Stunod’s is now very excited to be expanding to their second location on Taylor street in Chicago’s Little Italy. Where they look to again give
back to their new community. The brothers look to rejuvenate little Italy, and plan on doing so by providing the old school hospitality that little Italy was built upon. Authenticity, passion, and drive that the great business owners did before them. Frank and Austin are ho