Chances are if you’ve driven through Mundelein, you’ve passed Tina G’s. Nestled on the corner of East Park and North Lake street, Phil and Tina Gilardi’s Italian restaurant is hard to miss.
The couple entered the restaurant business with Philly G’s in 2005, which then became tavern on 60 in 2013, finally becoming Tina G’s in 2016.
Marco and Sophia Gilardi graduated from MHS in 2020 and 2022, so the students here hold a special place in the owners’ hearts. Tina makes a point to support MHS in any way she can. “I feel like it’s the right thing for me to do, to help all of you be the best you can be.” Whether that be through fundraisers, or just being there to talk to, Tina calls herself “everyone’s Italian Aunt.”
Their efforts have aided programs like dance, gymnastics, lacrosse, cheer, swim, water polo, show choir, band, basketball, and of course football. Ask any football player and you’d know that Tina G’s fuels our team by feeding them almost every Friday. “Walking out there and seeing the huge smiles on their faces is just unbelievable,” Gilardi commented.
It’s not just during the school year that students are involved with the business. Over the summer, students have been able to showcase their talents by performing live music for the community at the restaurant.
Senior Mason Jerome along with others have been playing there going on four months. “It’s very meaningful that she’s looking to support us by giving us a platform, giving us a way to express ourselves and play and make people happy.”
The space the business has created is something special. “I think my favorite part about working with Tina G’s is that it’s a very loving atmosphere filled with generous people. All the memories I made, connections I built you know, they’ll last forever,” said Jerome.
The exchange gives Tina just as much fulfillment as the performers. “It made my heart sing to hear them play and be able to help showcase their immense talent,” Gilardi commented.
The Gilardis’ consideration for others doesn’t stop at customers. They let employees be high schoolers first. “All of our hostesses are involved in at least one sport, which must be tricky for Tina to balance everyone’s schedules, but she manages to do it for us and makes sure we never have to miss games/matches for work,” explained hostess and Senior Natalia Jandes.
Tina and Phil gain more than just a team when employing MHS students. “I have worked with over 50 MHS graduates and currently enrolled students. I am honored that they chose to work with me. I am so truly grateful for the relationships I have made with both them and their families,” Gilardi commented.
Jandes expressed that working for Tina G’s has made her feel more involved. “I see so many different people at Tina G’s— regulars, people I know outside of work, and people I’ve never met— and the small interactions I’ve had with each of them make me feel more connected and like I’m a part of something bigger.”
Something bigger is exactly what Tina G’s is a part of. “The people of this community are so awesome. I can’t explain how grateful I am to wake up every day and do what I love,” Gilardi stated.
