2207 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614 Mon–Fri: 9AM–10PM  |  Sat–Sun: 11AM–11PM
+1 773-327-1512 [email protected]
Our Story

About Pequod's pizza

Pequod's pizza has been a Chicago institution since 1971 — crafting legendary deep dish with a caramelized crust that's earned us a place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Discover the passion and people behind every slice.

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50+ Years of Excellence
1M+ Pizzas Served
4.8 Average Star Rating
120+ Team Members
Pequod's pizza restaurant interior with warm lighting
1971 Est. Chicago
Our Origins

The Story Behind
Pequod's pizza

Pequod's pizza was born in 1971 in the heart of Chicago, Illinois — a city that takes its pizza seriously. What started as a small neighborhood pizzeria quickly became a destination for anyone who truly loves deep dish. Our founder, Burt Katz, introduced a revolutionary caramelized crust technique that remains our signature to this day and has never been replicated anywhere else.

The name "Pequod" is taken from Herman Melville's classic novel Moby-Dick — the name of Captain Ahab's ship. Just as Ahab pursued the great white whale with relentless passion, we pursue the perfect pizza with the same dedication and obsession, day after day, slice after slice.

Pequods pizza has grown from a single Lincoln Park location into a beloved Chicago landmark, recognized by national food critics, featured in countless "best pizza" lists, and visited by guests from all 50 states and over 40 countries.

Hand-made daily
Fresh ingredients
Award-winning crust
Family-run values
What Drives Us

Our Mission & Core Values

Every pizza we make reflects a commitment to quality, community, and craft. These values have guided Pequod's pizza for over five decades.

Our Mission

"To craft the most authentic, soul-warming deep dish pizza in Chicago — using only the finest locally sourced ingredients, time-honored techniques, and genuine hospitality that makes every guest feel like family."

Uncompromising Quality

We source the finest ingredients — from local mozzarella to imported San Marzano tomatoes. No shortcuts, ever. Every pizza meets our exacting standards before it reaches your table.

Community First

We're proud to be a Chicago institution. We give back to the neighborhoods that built us — partnering with local suppliers, schools, and charities to keep our community thriving.

Respect for Tradition

Our original caramelized crust recipe hasn't changed since 1971. We honor the craft and the pioneers who shaped Chicago-style pizza into the art form it is today.

Sustainable Practices

We're committed to responsible sourcing and reducing our footprint. From recyclable packaging to zero-waste kitchen initiatives, we take our environmental responsibility seriously.

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Our Journey

A Legacy Built Slice by Slice

From a single Chicago storefront to a nationally recognized landmark, here's how Pequod's pizza became a legend.

  • 1971

    The Beginning

    Burt Katz opens the original Pequod's pizza in Morton Grove, Illinois. The revolutionary caramelized crust — baked against the sides of the pan — is introduced for the first time.

  • 1980

    Lincoln Park Opens

    Pequods pizza expands to the iconic Lincoln Park location at 2207 N Clybourn Ave — the address that would become synonymous with the brand and its loyal Chicago fanbase.

  • 1993

    National Recognition

    Food critics from the New York Times and Chicago Tribune name Pequod's pizza among the top deep dish restaurants in America, triggering nationwide demand and a flood of out-of-town visitors.

  • 2005

    A New Generation

    The Katz family passes the torch to long-time staff members who grew up in the Pequod's kitchen. The new leadership pledges to honor every tradition while adding fresh energy and new menu items.

  • 2015

    Expansion & Online Ordering

    Pequod's pizza launches its first online ordering system and expands catering services, making Chicago's most famous deep dish accessible to more fans across the Midwest.

  • 2024

    Today & Beyond

    With over 50 years of history and more than one million pizzas served, Pequod's pizza continues to grow while staying true to its roots — every crust still hand-pressed, every sauce still made from scratch.

The People

Meet the Team Behind Pequods

Our passionate team of culinary professionals, hospitality experts, and pizza obsessives are the heartbeat of Pequod's pizza. Say hello.

Marco DiVito - Executive Chef at Pequod's pizza
Marco DiVito
Executive Chef

With 22 years behind the pizza oven, Marco is the guardian of our original caramelized crust recipe. He trained in Naples and has never looked back.

Sarah Katz - General Manager at Pequod's pizza
Sarah Katz
General Manager

As granddaughter of our founder, Sarah brings both heritage and fresh vision. She oversees daily operations and ensures every guest leaves with a smile.

James Thornton - Head of Sourcing at Pequod's pizza
James Thornton
Head of Sourcing

James travels the Midwest every season to forge relationships with local farms and producers who share our commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Priya Nair - Customer Experience Lead at Pequod's pizza
Priya Nair
Customer Experience

Priya is dedicated to making every interaction memorable — from your first online order to the warm welcome at our door. Hospitality is her calling.

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Pequod's pizza dining room with guests enjoying deep dish
Come Visit Us

A Place Like No Other

Pequod's pizza isn't just a restaurant — it's an experience. Our Lincoln Park location has welcomed millions of guests through its doors, from local regulars to first-time visitors making a pilgrimage for the pizza they've heard so much about.

The warm, rustic atmosphere, the smell of fresh dough and caramelizing cheese, the sound of laughter from crowded booths — this is what Pequods is all about. Come hungry. Leave happy.

2207 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
+1 773-327-1512
Mon–Fri: 9AM–10PM  |  Sat–Sun: 11AM–11PM
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Ready to Taste Chicago's Finest Deep Dish?

Whether you dine in, carry out, or order online, Pequod's pizza is ready to deliver the deep dish experience you've been craving.

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