Introduction to the Incident
An Edison Park deli has received an outpouring of support from the community, including from Cubs icon Anthony Rizzo, after an armed robbery in November.
The Visit from Anthony Rizzo
Rizzo, a former first baseman who retired from baseball this year and rejoined the Cubs as an ambassador, paid Tony’s Italian Deli & Subs a surprise visit Nov. 23. Photos on social media show Rizzo posing with the deli’s staff and signing autographs. A video also shows him making a sandwich.
Reaction from the Deli
“We were absolutely thrilled and completely surprised by a visit from [Rizzo],” the store said on social media. “What an amazing and genuine person. It stems from an amazing family. [Thank you] for this wonderful surprise and support!” Rizzo also showed his support for Tony’s on social media, praising the neighborhood spot for supporting its community and asking his fans to visit.
Rizzo’s Social Media Post
If you’re in Chicago, go check out @tonysdeli1. An amazing family led by Vito and Maria, who are always stepping up to support their community. Now it’s our turn to step up for them. https://t.co/U7WNOikVjG — Anthony Rizzo (@ARizzo44) November 23, 2025
“Now it’s our turn to step up for them,” he said.
The Armed Robbery Incident
The visit came after an armed group broke into Tony’s on Nov. 15. Chicago police said three robbers targeted the shop just before 5:30 a.m. The store said on social media that an employee entered the store during the robbery and had a gun placed against his head by a robber. Surveillance video shared by Tony’s shows the masked robbers breaking a glass front door and entering the store, before taking its cash registers. One robber can be seen slamming one of the registers on the sidewalk outside.
Community Support
Despite the robbery, Tony’s opened for business that morning, and the Edison Park community showed up to support it. “We are overwhelmed by the amount of love and support our friends & family and our amazing staff, not to mention our wonderful [Edison Park] community, [have] given us,” the store said on social media after the incident. “You all have rallied behind us and we are so grateful.”
About Anthony Rizzo
Rizzo spent nearly 10 of his 14 major-league seasons with the Cubs, including as a core member of the 2016 World Series champion team. A cancer survivor, he founded the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation in 2012 to benefit cancer research and families affected by the disease.
Conclusion
The support shown by Anthony Rizzo and the community to Tony’s Italian Deli & Subs after the armed robbery is a testament to the strong bonds within the Edison Park neighborhood. It highlights the importance of community support during difficult times and the positive impact that figures like Rizzo can have on local businesses and residents.
FAQs
- Q: When did the armed robbery at Tony’s Italian Deli & Subs occur?
A: The armed robbery occurred on November 15. - Q: Who visited Tony’s Italian Deli & Subs after the robbery?
A: Anthony Rizzo, a former Cubs player and current ambassador, visited the deli. - Q: What did Anthony Rizzo do during his visit to the deli?
A: Rizzo posed with the staff, signed autographs, and made a sandwich. He also showed his support on social media. - Q: How did the community react to the robbery?
A: The community showed overwhelming support by visiting the deli and offering love and support on social media.
