Born in the village of Galen, Switzerland, Albert Zeller grew up with eight brothers and sisters learning the art of cheese making and processing other dairy products, a trade that proved helpful when he arrived in the United States in 1959. He settled in the small town of Walnut, Illinois, and although his command of the English language was sparse, and his funds even more so, he put his knowledge of the cheese-making business, as well as his energy and determination to work to sustain him.

His career aspirations were briefly interrupted by a two-year stint in the Army. But while there, he began developing new ideas that would send him on his way when he returned to civilian life.

The old-world charm of cheese making had its moments, but cheese is only cheese, and in 1964, a corporation was formed as a new outlet for cheese, the manufacturing of frozen pizzas. As manager and part owner of Gino's Pizza, and with only 2 employees, the small business produced 200 pizzas a day. In fifteen months of hard work and solid sales promotion, those figures rose to 20 employees and 5,000 pizzas a day, and that momentum didn't stop there. Natural interests followed suit, and Albert recognized the need to for another venture in the restaurant business. In 1966, he purchased Lardano's Italian Restaurant on Main Street in Peoria adjacent to Bradley University. Soon after, the name was changed to Avanti's, which mean "forward" in Italian. And it was full steam ahead.

By now, a keen feel for all phases of food preparation was clearly evident and taking shape. And being the pioneer that he is, he foged ahead with yet another restaurant in in Normal, Illinois, Avanti's II, an expansion that opened in 1971 with his bother, Guido.

Today, Avanti's employs more than 500 people with restaurants on Rockwood Road in Peoria (1979) and East Peoria (1985). The original Avanti's location had to give way to Main Street widening and relocated across the street in 1989 at Main and University. Avanti's opened new locations in North Peoria on Knoxville Avenue in 2009 and a highly-anticipate Pekin location in 2010. And both have met with great acceptance by the public.

Albert married his late wife, Edith Hollenstein, a native of Switzerland, in 1968, and he still travels frequently to Switzerland to visit family and friends. He has four children, two sons and two daughters. His eldest son, Stefan is currently co-owner of the family business.

In 2010, Avanti's also purchased the Avanti's Dome property in Pekin.