Pequod's pizza kitchen with caramelized deep dish crust being prepared

1971 Founded

Our Story

The Legend Behind Pequod's Pizza

Pequod's pizza has been a Chicago institution since 1971, serving the city's most distinctive deep-dish pizza with a signature caramelized crust that has kept guests coming back generation after generation. What started as a humble neighborhood pizzeria on Chicago's North Side has grown into a beloved landmark, celebrated by locals and visitors alike.

Our founder, Burt Katz, had a vision: create a pizza that went beyond the ordinary. By caramelizing cheese along the edges of the cast-iron pan, Burt invented a crust unlike anything Chicago — or the world — had ever tasted. That singular innovation put pequods pizza on the culinary map and cemented our place in Chicago's rich food heritage.

"Every pizza we bake carries the soul of Chicago and the passion of a craftsman who believed that great food changes people's lives."

Decades later, the tradition continues. Our pequods team still hand-crafts each pizza using the same time-honored recipes, sourcing the freshest local ingredients and baking every pie in seasoned cast-iron pans that have absorbed the flavors of thousands of pizzas before them.

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53+ Years of Craft

2M+ Pizzas Served

4.9★ Average Rating

1 Legendary Recipe

Our Foundation

Mission, Vision & Values

Everything we do at Pequod's pizza is guided by a deep commitment to craft, community, and the simple joy of a perfect slice.

Our Mission

To craft the finest deep-dish pizza in Chicago using traditional techniques, premium ingredients, and the relentless pursuit of that perfect caramelized crust — one pie at a time.

Our Vision

To be the definitive Chicago pizza experience — a place where every guest feels the warmth of neighborhood hospitality and leaves with a memory they'll talk about for years.

Quality First

We never compromise on ingredients. From hand-crushed San Marzano tomatoes to fresh Wisconsin mozzarella, every component is chosen with care and reverence for the craft.

Community Roots

We're proud Chicagoans. We source locally, hire locally, and give back to the neighborhoods that have supported us for over five decades. The city is our family.

Respectful Innovation

While we honor our founding traditions, we welcome new ideas — seasonal specials, creative toppings, and catering innovations that keep the Pequod's experience fresh and exciting.

Genuine Hospitality

Every guest who walks through our doors is welcomed like family. We believe that great pizza tastes even better when it's served with a genuine smile and sincere warmth.

Our Journey

A Rich History of Pequods Pizza

More than five decades of dough, cheese, and caramelized perfection — here's how Pequod's pizza became a Chicago legend.

1971

The Beginning

Burt Katz opens the original Pequod's pizza on Chicago's North Side, introducing a revolutionary caramelized-crust deep dish that would forever change Chicago's pizza landscape.

1979

The Signature Crust is Born

After years of perfecting the recipe, Burt codifies the iconic caramelized cheese crust technique — placing shredded mozzarella along the pan's edge before baking. A legend is solidified.

1986

New Home, Same Soul

Pequod's pizza relocates to its current home at 2207 N Clybourn Ave — a larger space to serve the rapidly growing community of devoted fans who drive from across the Midwest for a taste.

1994

Media Recognition

National food critics and publications begin featuring Pequod's pizza as a must-visit Chicago destination, sparking a wave of out-of-state visitors eager to experience the pequods difference firsthand.

2003

Catering Launch

Responding to overwhelming demand, Pequod's pizza launches a full catering program — bringing the legendary deep dish to weddings, corporate events, and celebrations across the Chicago metro area.

2015

Digital Era & Expansion

Pequod's pizza embraces online ordering and delivery, making it easier than ever for fans near and far to enjoy the iconic caramelized crust. Social media turns pequods into a global sensation.

Today

Still Crafting, Still Caring

More than 53 years after Burt's first pizza, Pequod's continues to serve Chicago with the same passion, ingredients, and cast-iron dedication that made us a legend. The tradition lives on.

Meet the Team

The People Behind the Crust

Every great pizza starts with great people. Our team brings decades of passion, skill, and Chicago spirit to every single pie we make.

Marco Rinaldi

Head Pizzaiolo

With 22 years behind the cast iron, Marco is the guardian of Pequod's legendary crust technique. His obsession with the perfect caramelized edge is matched only by his love for Chicago.

Sofia Chen

General Manager

Sofia brings warmth and meticulous attention to every guest experience. Her leadership has earned Pequod's some of its highest-ever satisfaction scores and a fiercely loyal community.

James Kowalski

Executive Chef

A classically trained chef with a deep-dish heart, James oversees our full menu — from seasonal specials to the sauces crafted fresh every morning with San Marzano tomatoes.

Amara Williams

Catering Director

Amara transforms events into unforgettable experiences, bringing Pequod's famous pies to weddings, galas, and corporate gatherings across the city with flawless precision and flair.

Passionate about pizza? Come be part of our story.

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Ready to Taste the Legend?

Experience Pequod's Pizza Today

Join millions of pizza lovers who have made Pequod's their favorite Chicago tradition. Order now and taste what a real deep dish is all about.

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About Pequod's Pizza