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Peppo’s Subs was founded by Jim Peplowski, aka Mr. Peppo. In his youth, Mr. Peppo was an avid motorcycle racer, musician and served honorably in the US Army. He opened Peppo’s Subs when he was 28 years old in Palos Hills, Illinois. Our first location, a mere 550qft, was the Original Palos Hills Police department, directly across from the Firehouse. Service and patriotism was and is a big part of our history. Robert Peplowski, aka Peppo Jr. is also an Army Veteran, who carried on his fathers legacy of both service to the country and in service to the community. 

Today Peppo’s Subs blends our old school mom and pop roots with modern restaurant philosophy. We pride oursevles on being a classic, yet innovative restaurant leading the way in todays customer experience through our food and service. The "GUTS", our signature topping was created in year 1, 1976-1977 when Jim and friends were simply hungry hippies testing sandwich toppings aiming to make the best sandwiches in Chicagoland. We think they nailed it! Through the years we have come to know and love our customers and community. We have grown our company to a thriving family business through the hard work of dedicated family, great employees and several generations of wonderful customers. Today we enthusiastically step into our next chapter, building up the next generation to carry on our family tradition of “Subs with GUTS”, and service with pride. 

See you soon! 


Corporate Team

Founder Mr. Peppo

Mr. Peppo can still be seen in store mingling with customers and helping his family do what we have done for almost 50 years. Stop in and say hello! 


Robert Peppo – Peppo Jr

Peppo Jr grew up in the business watching his father’s hard work and dedication flourish. With a successful athletic background, Peppo Jr. carries Peppo’s Subs into the next generation with strength and energy. Robert is an Army Veteran, runs a business focused podcast, and is heavily involved in community networking. Robert also coaches and mentors at several local high schools’ business programs focusing on entrepreneurship. Peppo Jr. is leading the business enthusiastically into the next generation with our Franchise team, system, and processes. "The goal is to blend our local mom-and-pop feel and history with modern restaurant philosophy". 


Alexandria

Alexandria has been with Peppo’s for over 15 years and is married to Robert Peppo. She has taken Peppo’s on with a devotion the thriving family business deserves. Alex has experience at every level of restaurant management and is key to our franchise expansion plans. Alex's structured and detailed approach to business compliments Peppo Jr on his ambition and drive. 


Malcolm 

Malcolm joined the team in 2023 after 10 years in the US Army (Infantry and Signal Intel & Intelligence). Having served with Robert, Peppo Jr., he joins the team as our "right-hand man". Malcolm also has culinary training, that pairs perfectly with our companies energy and vision. As a corporate team executive he will grow and support the franchise expansion plans for Peppo’s Subs. His attention to detail and ambition for his own network of stores in Texas makes Malcolm a critical component to our success. 

The Peppo's Subs Brand Statement

We will provide a different & delicious experience through our food and service by going above and beyond the fast casual restaurant expectations. This is not just statement our CEO wrote. I mean it is, but it is also what we actually live by. 

Future Vision

To continue to be one of the best Sandwich brands in Chicago-land.  For all new locations you see pop up, we have hand picked, trained up, and believe in each person. We will grow our company with the best partners, owner/operators, GM's, and team members who share our family values of dedication to service and integrity with an appetite to match! 

PEPPO’S MOTTO: NO GUTS . . . NO GLORY