John Scalzitti packs up a sandwich order for a customer Dec. 8 at Connie's Beef in Elmwood Park. Scalzitti, who worked in the restaurant for his father while he was in high school, said Elmwood Park is his ideal location. | Jon Langham~for Sun-Times Med

John Scalzitti enjoys the "give and take" with his regular customers Dec. 8 at Connie's Beef. Scalzitti, who used to work in the restaurant for his father while he was in high school, came back to the business four years ago. | Jon Langham~for Sun-Times

Elmwood Park, 12/08/12--John Scalzitti waves goodbye to one of his regular customers. Connie's Beef is owned by John Scalzitti, who used to work in the restaurant for his father while he was in high school. | Jon Langham~for Sun-Times Media

Elmwood Park, 12/08/12--Miro Moran hands a tray full of Connie's sandwiches to a customer. Connie's Beef is owned by John Scalzitti, who used to work in the restaurant for his father while he was in high school. | Jon Langham~for Sun-Times Media

Elmwood Park, 12/08/12--Dominic Vecchio, who says he's been coming to Connie's since 1979, now likes to bring his son Dominic Jr., 8, to have a sandwich and some Italian ice. Connie's Beef is owned by John Scalzitti, who used to work in the restaurant for his father while he was in high school. | Jon Langham~for Sun-Times Media

Elmwood Park, 12/08/12--Long-time employees Roberto Solis and Jesus Abarca serve up Connie's sandwiches in short order. Connie's Beef is owned by John Scalzitti, who used to work in the restaurant for his father while he was in high school. | Jon Langham~for Sun-Times Media