Restaurant Hours: Mon — Sat: 10 am — 8 pm (Closed Sun) | Banquet Hall Hours: Mon — Sat: 10 am — 2:30 pm (Closed Sun)
Since 1987, The Italian House has been dedicated to providing you with authentic Italian cuisine, made with love and tradition. Founded and owned by Edmund Halabi, our restaurant is proudly locally owned and deeply connected to the Janesville community. We believe that community is everything, and we do our best to give back and support local initiatives whenever possible.
For over three decades, we’ve had the pleasure of serving generations of families. It’s an honor to see familiar faces return year after year, bringing their own families to enjoy the same dishes they grew up loving. Whether you’re dining in or carrying out, we aim to make every meal special.
Our services go beyond just a great dining experience. We offer a variety of catering options, from in-house events in our newly added banquet room, which seats up to 75 guests, to custom to-go orders. Our entire restaurant is also available for larger events, accommodating up to 150 guests. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or family gathering, we’ve got you covered with a custom buffet menu tailored to your needs.
We understand that family is at the heart of every gathering, which is why we offer family feast options designed to satisfy everyone. Pair your meal with our selection of beer and wine, and enjoy your time in our comfortable, family-friendly setting. With free Wi-Fi, a 60-inch TV, handicap accessibility, and extensive parking, we ensure your visit is as convenient as it is enjoyable.
Thank you for being part of our story. We look forward to serving you for many more years to come.
Edmund Halabi’s journey is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the support of a community that has embraced him and his business. Born in Dakar, Senegal, and having lived in Liberia before fleeing due to political unrest, Edmund came to America with dreams and determination. Despite starting with little more than hope and a relentless work ethic, Edmund built The Italian House from the ground up, facing many challenges along the way.
Through perseverance, Edmund not only established a beloved local restaurant but also made a lasting impact on the Janesville community. His dedication to giving back is evident in his countless food donations and his involvement in local nonprofit fundraisers. His commitment to the community extends beyond his restaurant, making The Italian House not just a place to eat, but a cornerstone of Janesville’s vibrant local culture.
Edmund’s story is one of long hours, determination, and a deep connection with his customers. From the early days when he and his wife worked tirelessly to keep the restaurant afloat, to the tradition of high school students signing their names on the restaurant’s bricks, The Italian House has always been more than just a business. It’s a family legacy, where generations of Janesville residents have grown up enjoying Edmund’s authentic Italian cuisine.
Edmund was interviewed in 2020 by Teresa Nguyen – Read the full article on janesvilleareastories.com
When Edmund Halabi left Liberia at 17, he dreamt of the quintessential American life—fast cars, beachfront encounters with celebrities, and a path paved with ease. But as many immigrants soon discover, the reality was far more challenging. Yet, through hard work, determination, and an unyielding spirit, Halabi built The Italian House in Janesville, a beloved local institution that stands as a testament to his resilience and the true essence of the American Dream.
From Peoria to Janesville: A Vision Takes Root
Halabi’s journey to the United States began in Peoria, Illinois, where he moved to continue his education. Although his initial goal was to work in healthcare, the dream of owning a restaurant never left him. The moment that reignited this passion came after working as a lab technician, where the monotony of the job didn’t suit his energetic nature. “I said to myself, ‘One day I want to open my own restaurant,’” Halabi recalls.
The road to realizing this dream was not straightforward. Halabi eventually found his way to Janesville after a series of stops and starts, including a brief stint in Lake Geneva. It was in Janesville, in a small building on Milton Avenue, that the first iteration of The Italian House was born in July 1987.
A Rocky Start: Overcoming the Odds
The early years were anything but easy. Halabi, along with his wife Karen and stepson, spent the first six months sleeping on the floor of their new business, with little more than a sleeping bag to their name. Despite his best efforts, the restaurant struggled. Halabi soon realized he had underestimated the challenges of running a business in an unfamiliar market. “I was a 24-year-old wannabe entrepreneur who had no subset skills to run a business, to market a business or to study the market,” he admits. “I didn’t do any of that.”
The first location of The Italian House closed within eight months, nearly bankrupting Halabi in the process. But rather than give up, he saw an opportunity to relocate next to Craig High School, a move that would ultimately save his business. The students at Craig High became loyal customers, helping to establish The Italian House as a community staple. Halabi fondly refers to this period as the time when he became a “little oasis” next to the school, serving up $2 lunches to hundreds of students daily.
Growth and Expansion: Building a Legacy
The turning point for Halabi came in 2008, when he purchased the building next door, formerly a Hardee’s restaurant. This move solidified The Italian House’s presence in Janesville, even as the local economy took a hit with the closure of the General Motors plant. “Italian House was doing fantastic,” Halabi says. “And then, lo and behold, General Motors said ‘we are closing.’” Despite the setback, Halabi persevered, relying on his catering business and a partnership with Woodman’s grocery stores to keep the business afloat.
Facing Challenges Head-On: Adapting and Thriving
Over the years, The Italian House has faced numerous challenges, from economic downturns to legal battles. A few years ago, Halabi was forced to change the name of his signature sub, the “Gondola,” after receiving a cease-and-desist order. Rather than fight a costly legal battle, he rebranded the sandwich as the “Legacy,” a nod to the lasting impact of his business.
Despite the hurdles, Halabi’s dedication to his craft and his community has never wavered. His long days—often starting at 7 a.m. and ending at 9 p.m.—are a testament to his commitment. “In a mom-and-pops business such as mine, you’re constantly trying to figure out how to stay alive,” he explains. “You’re thankful, you’re appreciative if you make 3% to 5% profit. That’s a miraculous year.”
A Lasting Impact: More Than Just a Restaurant
Today, The Italian House is more than just a place to grab a meal; it’s a Janesville institution. Voted the No. 1 Italian restaurant in the city for decades, it has also been recognized for its exceptional catering services. But for Halabi, the greatest success has been the relationships he’s built along the way—with his customers, his employees, and the community.
“I have gone through trials and tribulations with the economy, COVID and politics. We’re doing fantastically well,” Halabi reflects. While he may not have found Pamela Anderson on the beach, he found something far more meaningful—a place in the hearts of the people of Janesville. As he puts it, “I never became a statistic like I was supposed to become. I became a favorite brand here; an acknowledged brand, a trusted brand.”
Halabi’s story is a powerful reminder that the American Dream is not about instant success, but about resilience, perseverance, and the determination to build something that lasts. The Italian House is a true reflection of that dream—a place where hard work, family, and community come together to create something truly special.
Read the full article “‘Little oasis’: Italian House owner builds American dream into Janesville institution” written by Tom Miller at The Gazette on Aug 2, 2023 on gazettextra.com here.
