Calogero's Old World Italian in Naperville, Illinois: Meet the Chef

Feb 9

We sat down with Executive Chef/Owner Salvatore Carollo of Calogero’s Old World Italian in Napersville, Illinois. Raised in the heart of Italy, Chef Carollo came of age in a culture where food shapes life itself — and where some of his fondest memories were forged around tables crowded with family and friends. In his kitchen, that reverence for tradition shows in every loaf and pizza: dough is handcrafted and allowed a patient 48-hour fermentation, then baked into artisan breads and pizzas that balance rustic authenticity with refined flavor.

Calogero's Old World Italian in Naperville, Illinois: Meet the Chef

Tell us about what your morning routine looks like, and how you like to end your day?

My morning routine is non-negotiable—it sets the tone for how I show up and keeps me locked in. I start every day with training, whether that’s weightlifting or staying disciplined with my Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practice. That physical push keeps my mind sharp. If time allows, I’ll have a quick breakfast before heading straight to the shop, where the real work begins—mixing dough, prepping, and handling the day-to-day operations. I end my days the same way I start them: intentionally. Once I’m home, it’s a shower, a mental reset, and straight to bed so I can recover and be ready to do it all over again the next day.

Do you have any awards or achievements you’d like to mention?

Nothing official yet. I try to stay focused on the small, personal wins that come with learning and growing.

Do you have a favorite chef that you look up to and what advice would you give to aspiring chefs?

There are so many great chefs that it’s hard to name just one favorite. That said, if I had to choose, it would be Anthony Bourdain—for his honesty, curiosity, and the way he respected food as culture, not just cuisine. My advice to aspiring chefs is to stay true to what you believe in and to your own voice. Don’t be afraid to take risks, make mistakes, or step outside what feels safe—those moments are where real growth happens.

What do you typically cook at home?

At home, I like to change things up. While I naturally gravitate toward Italian and Mexican flavors, that’s also where I allow myself to get creative; experimenting with different cuisines and exploring foods my family and I genuinely enjoy.

What’s a food trend that you’re loving right now and why?

I don’t really follow food trends, but I do appreciate the growing shift away from heavily processed foods. More people are starting to recognize that scratch-made food, prepared with quality ingredients, is what truly supports a healthier lifestyle.

What’s the strangest food combination you’ve ever tried? And, did you like it?

Many years ago, I tried escargot with some friends. Surprisingly, it was actually very good!

What drink do you enjoy most?

A classic. Jack and Coke.

Have you ever cooked for a celebrity? Do you have a story to tell?

Not yet, but it would be an honor to do so one day.

What’s your Instagram so readers can follow you?

It’s @calogeros_.

Why should readers visit Calogero's Old World Italian in Naperville, Illinois?

We focus on serving honest, high-quality food inspired by our Sicilian and Italian roots. Everything we do is tied to tradition and culture—from wood-fired pizzas and arancini, a classic Sicilian street food, to specialty pastries like bomboloni, cuccidatti (traditional Sicilian fig cookies), and panettone, a true baking masterpiece.

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