Our Story, Our Passion
From a small Chicago kitchen to an iconic deep dish destination — meet the people, the values, and the history behind every caramelized crust.
A Legend Born in Chicago
It started in 1971 with a simple belief: that pizza could be something more. Pequod's Pizza was founded in the heart of Chicago by passionate craftsmen who wanted to redefine deep dish — not just as a meal, but as an experience.
Our signature caramelized crust — golden, crunchy, and slightly charred at the edges — was born from years of experimenting with dough, heat, and timing. That crust became our calling card, setting us apart from every other pizza on the block.
Decades later, we remain true to that original vision: use the finest ingredients, respect the craft, and serve every guest like family. From locals who've been coming since day one to visitors discovering us for the first time, everyone gets the same unforgettable slice.
A History Baked Into Every Slice
Five decades of passion, persistence, and perfectly caramelized crust — here's how we got here.
The First Oven Fires Up
Pequod's opens its doors in Morton Park, Chicago. Founder Burt Katz introduces the caramelized crust deep dish that would become legendary across the city.
A New Chapter Begins
The Stolfe family takes over ownership, carrying forward Burt's original recipes and techniques while expanding the menu and welcoming a new generation of pizza lovers.
Morton Grove Location Opens
Growing demand leads to the opening of the Morton Grove location at 8520 Fernald Ave — now our flagship restaurant, beloved by generations of families from across the Chicago suburbs.
National Recognition
Food critics and travel guides from across the United States name Pequod's among the top pizza destinations in the country. Visitors start traveling from across the nation just for one pie.
Catering & Events Program Launches
We extend the Pequod's experience beyond the restaurant with a full-service catering program, bringing our deep dish to weddings, corporate events, and private parties across Illinois.
Online Ordering & New Era
We launch a seamless online ordering platform so fans everywhere can get our legendary pies delivered or ready for pickup — combining decades of tradition with modern convenience.
Our Mission & Vision
We don't just make pizza — we create moments, memories, and a place where every person feels at home.
Our Mission
To craft Chicago's most authentic deep dish pizza using time-honored recipes, premium ingredients, and genuine hospitality — feeding communities one caramelized slice at a time.
Our Vision
To be the most beloved pizza destination in the United States — where tradition meets innovation, and every guest leaves with a full belly and a reason to come back.
Our Promise
Every pizza that leaves our kitchen is made with the same care and craftsmanship as the very first one Burt Katz pulled from the oven in 1971. Quality never takes a day off.
The Principles Behind
Every Perfect Pie
These aren't just words on a wall — they're the ingredients we mix into everything we do, from how we source our tomatoes to how we greet every guest at the door.
Quality Ingredients
We source the finest mozzarella, fresh-packed San Marzano tomatoes, and hand-selected toppings. Every ingredient earns its place on our pizza.
Community First
Morton Grove isn't just where we do business — it's home. We support local suppliers, sponsor neighborhood events, and give back whenever we can.
Craft & Tradition
Our recipes haven't changed in 50+ years for a reason. We respect the process, honor the craft, and never cut corners — no matter how busy we get.
Genuine Hospitality
Every guest is family. From your first call to your last bite, we're committed to making you feel welcome, valued, and eager to return.
Meet the Team Behind the Crust
Passionate, dedicated, and deeply in love with pizza — these are the people who make Pequod's what it is every single day.
Marcus Stolfe
Third-generation pizza maker with 30+ years in the kitchen. Marcus guards the original caramelized crust recipe with fierce devotion.
Diana Reyes
A culinary school graduate who fell in love with deep dish and never looked back. Diana leads daily kitchen operations and ingredient sourcing.
James Huang
The heartbeat of front-of-house operations. James has spent 18 years perfecting the guest experience that keeps customers coming back for more.
Sofia Marchetti
From intimate family gatherings to 500-person corporate events, Sofia orchestrates every catered occasion with precision and a personal touch.
Want to join the Pequod's family? We're always looking for passionate people.
Get in Touch