Zilli Hospitality Group Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Zilli Hospitality Group (ZHG), a full-service catering and special events company operating out of Milwaukee, WI, is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Pictured from L-R: Robert Zilli, James (Jim) Zilli, and Stephen (Steph) Zilli.  In front, Ellen Zilli. 

The family-owned and operated company was founded in 1968 by Angelo and Ellen Zilli when they purchased a small Tasti-Freeze in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Five years later, Angelo remodeled the 13-stool counter and transformed the stand into Ellen’s on Grandview, named after his wife. Not long after, and not without the help of their four sons—Michael, James, Robert, and Stephen—the Zilli family was hard at work on this next great endeavor.

Fast forward to the present; the company, which is owned and operated by the three remaining brothers, James, Stephen and Robert, has executed over 31,000 events in the past 50 years. “We are proud to say that three generations continue to work together to make Zilli Hospitality Group an incredible, deep-rooted Milwaukee and Waukesha food industry staple,” said Jim Zilli, CEO of ZHG. “We are very fortunate to be blessed with an amazing team that is like family. They continue to carry on our family legacy by providing exceptional food and service in Southeastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois.” 

The ZHG team comprises 60 full-time employees and 150 seasonal employees. In addition, to help create jobs in the area, Zilli Hospitality Group also strongly believes in supporting its community. Over the years, they have worked with and contributed to more than 752 charities, such as: Breast Cancer Pink House, Urban Ecology, St Francis Cabrini, Prairie School, Boerner Botanical Gardens, Wisconsin Lutheran High School, and many more.

ZHG is also a member of Leading Caterers of America, a select group of catering and event professionals.

For more information and to see Zilli Hospitality Group milestones, visit: http://www.zillihospitalitygroup.com/50-years-of-catering-stats/

(opening floral photo taken from the ZHG website)