2016 Marian Catholic High School
Tom Zarlengo ’80 Alumnus of the Year
Zarlengo’s tasty creations have earned the company much media recognition and many awards. Yet despite the local and national accolades Zarlengo’s treats have amassed, nothing is sweeter to the Chicago Heights native than his alma mater and his “best friends,” the Dominican sisters of Marian Catholic. His dedication to both is apparent in his many efforts to beautify and stabilize the area surrounding MCHS. “The sisters are so much fun to be around,” he says. “When you talk to them you are led spiritually immediately. The relationship I have with them just makes me want to be a better person and to keep giving to the community because all the community does is give to me.” In addition to purchasing and renovating run-down properties near the school and his store (plans are in place to buy the long-shuttered gas station next to the shop as the manufacturing end threatens to outgrown its space), Zarlengo frequently supplies Marian Catholic with icy favorites for its various events and fundraisers.
For Tom Zarlengo ’80, success literally is sweet. Zarlengo, the 2016 Marian Catholic High School Alumnus of the Year, owns one of the most successful ice cream companies in the Chicago area, Zarlengo’s Italian Ice and Gelato, which was named in the top 10 frozen dessert retailers in America by Dessert Professional magazine. Started in the small shop on Joe Orr Road where every product still is made by hand – and where long-time customers and new fans eagerly await the store’s warm-weather opening to line up for the popular gelato, Italian ice and soft serve confections – the company that Zarlengo created in 1983 and runs with his family has expanded tremendously. Zarlengo’s products are featured in numerous upscale Chicago eateries such as Tavern on Rush and Au Cheval, at U.S. Cellular Field and Ravinia Music Festival, and are widely distributed by Sysco Foods, “the nation’s largest food distributor,” he notes. They also are a mainstay of Andy’s Frozen Custard, a chain with locations in Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas and suburban Chicago producing for them 400,000 to 500,000 under their private label as well as Italian ices under the Zarlengo name. He gives much of the credit for Zarlengo’s success to his wife Mary Lou; children Tommy, Todd and Alison; parents John and Sally Zarlengo; and his dedicated employees, many of whom are or were Marian Catholic students. “The business began with a dream my father had to open an ice cream shop,” he says. “With it, we began a journey that no one could predict, a business that is hopefully an asset to the community and one that, even with all of our growth, still remains the heartbeat of our efforts.” Son Todd ’04, the company’s vice president, pitched the idea of getting their treats out to White Sox fans. “U.S. Cellular was a dream come true for Todd,” Zarlengo says. “When he contacted them, they were actually looking for a product like ours, a little something old-fashioned for the fans.” Tommy ’02, a chef, handles much of the company’s sales to restaurants and other venues. “He represents us at events and for Sysco foods” as well, Zarlengo says. Daughter Alison ’92, with four children of her own, also works “tirelessly” in the company, making sure the shop and its orders and deliveries run smoothly, he adds.
Besides enhancing the community, Zarlengo is instrumental in making an impact in the lives of Marian students, says Sr. Santina DeLuca ’62. “He employs many young people,” she says. “He gives them a start in learning to save their money and set goals for themselves. That is a blessing for them as individuals and for us as a community.” Despite his hectic schedule, Zarlengo says in his spare time he “enjoys baking bread and having homemade pizza parties for our wonderful grandchildren: Niya, Michelina, Nino, Sammy, Gia and Amelia.” Surprised to have been selected Alumnus of the Year, Zarlengo says he is dedicating the award to his best friend Eddie Ziltz ’80, an ardent “Marian Catholic supporter and fundraiser” who died suddenly in 2011. “Eddie would totally deserve this award before me,” Zarlengo says. “I feel like I am accepting it for him.”
2