Loyola University Chicago

Inside Rinaldo's

From 7 a.m. when Rinaldo Fiorini unlocks the door to the basement snack bar until 11 p.m. when the Fiorini family, comprised of Nella, David, and Silvia, clear away abandoned coffee cups and remnants of gelato, Rinaldo's is the most popular hangout at the Rome Center.

Since 1975, Rinaldo and his wife of 24 years, Nella, have run the establishment in a family-oriented manner, allowing the students here to feel comfortable in a home-like atmosphere. Joshua Friedman, Chicago, said, "It's my home away from home." Friedman especially enjoys the fact that Rinaldo's is within the confines of the school, yet it is a place to relax outside the realm of academics.

Rinaldo's sells everything from cappuccinos to pizza, and is the only place for hungry students to eat on campus between meals. Rome Center student Lisa Franzia, Modesto, Calif., said, "Without Rinaldo's, I would starve!"

Students see Rinaldo Fiorini every day, yet many know little about him. Born in 1939 in Frosinone, in the region of Lazio, Rinaldo has resided in Rome for years. The Fiorinis live in an apartment only kilometers away in the section of the city known as Palmarola. Such proximity allows Rinaldo to keep long hours; he has been known to leave the Rome Center at 2 a.m., only to return again at sunrise.

When asked what he enjoys most about life at the Rome Center, Rinaldo quietly smiles and says, "gli studenti." He enjoys being surrounded by young, educated people. "My only problem is that every year the students are the same age, and I get older and older," Fiorini said.

Rome Center student Peter Farrell, Chicago, calls Rinaldo's the perfect place to grab a cappuccino, smoke a cigarette, and see "Nella's smiling face." Nella is smiling because after 19 years at the Rome Center her energy and enthusiasm for her customers is abundant. Nella said that working with young people makes her feel young.

Once located in the current art studio, Rinaldo's cafe was relocated to the brightly lit and expansive recreation room in 1992.