Head Chef
Marcus Rivera
With 18 years of experience in Chicago's finest kitchens, Marcus oversees every pizza that leaves our oven. He perfected our caramelized crust technique and trains every new pizzaiolo personally.
Est. 1971 — Morton Grove, IL
About Pequod's Pizza
pequod's pizza is more than a restaurant — it's a United States institution, built on a passion for deep dish craft, community, and the perfect caramelized crust that has made us legendary for over five decades.
50+
Years of Craft
Our Story
How Pequods Became a Pizza Legend
It all began in 1971 in a small kitchen in Morton Grove, Illinois. Founder Burt Katz had a vision: a deep dish pizza unlike anything anyone had ever tasted — one with a thick, buttery crust that caramelized against the sides of the pan to form a uniquely crispy, slightly charred outer ring.
"We didn't just make pizza — we reinvented what pizza could be. That caramelized crust wasn't an accident. It was the whole idea."
— Burt Katz, Founder
— Burt Katz, Founder
From that first day, word spread quickly across the United States. Families, food critics, and pizza lovers from coast to coast made pilgrimages to taste what pequods pizza had created. Today, Pequod's pizza stands as one of the most celebrated deep dish destinations in the country — serving the same original recipe, with the same passion, five decades on.
What Drives Us
Our Mission
Every pizza we make carries the same promise — real ingredients, real craft, real satisfaction.
Made with Passion
From the dough we hand-stretch each morning to the cheese we layer generously, every pizza reflects a genuine love of the craft. We don't take shortcuts — we take pride.
Quality Ingredients
We source fresh, high-quality toppings, use premium San Marzano-style tomatoes, and partner with local suppliers where possible to ensure every bite is exceptional.
Community First
Pequod's pizza has always been a gathering place. We believe food brings people together, and we're committed to being a welcoming home for families, friends, and neighbors.
Our Journey
The History of Pequod's Pizza
Five decades of deep dish perfection — here are the milestones that shaped who we are today.
1971
The Beginning
Burt Katz opens the original Pequod's location in Morton Grove, IL, introducing his signature caramelized-crust deep dish pizza to the world.
1986
City Recognition
Chicago Magazine names Pequod's pizza one of the top deep dish pizzerias in the United States, putting us firmly on the national food map.
1994
Lincoln Park Location
A second Pequod's pizza restaurant opens in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, bringing the legend to a new generation of pizza fans.
2008
National Feature
Food Network and multiple national publications spotlight pequods pizza as a must-visit culinary destination in the American Midwest.
2019
Online Ordering Launch
Pequod's pizza goes digital — fans across the United States can now order our legendary deep dish for delivery and pickup with ease.
2024
50+ Years Strong
Celebrating over five decades of the same original recipe, the same caramelized crust, and the same commitment to being the best deep dish pizza in the United States.
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
These principles guide every decision we make, from how we source ingredients to how we treat our guests.
Excellence
We hold our pizza to the highest standard — every crust, every sauce layer, every topping must meet the Pequod's benchmark of quality.
Integrity
We're honest about what goes into our food and how we run our business. Transparency builds the trust our guests have placed in us for decades.
Sustainability
We strive to reduce waste, support local producers, and make choices that are good for our community and the environment.
Hospitality
Every guest deserves a warm welcome and a memorable experience. We're in the business of making people happy — one slice at a time.
The People
Meet the Team Behind Pequod's
Our dedicated team brings decades of combined experience, an unwavering love of pizza, and a commitment to making every visit exceptional.
General Manager
Sofia Andreou
Sofia has run front-of-house operations at Pequod's pizza for over a decade. Her warm leadership and sharp operational instincts keep the restaurant running beautifully every single day.
Sous Chef
Daniel Park
A culinary school graduate with a passion for Italian-American tradition, Daniel creates and tests our seasonal specials while ensuring the consistency of our core pequods pizza recipes.
Guest Experience
Elena Moretti
Elena ensures every guest leaves with a smile. From managing reservations and special events to handling feedback, she is the heart of our guest relations at Pequod's pizza.
Love what we do? We're always looking for passionate people to join our team.
View Career Opportunities