Our Story

About Pequod's pizza

Chicago's legendary pequod's pizza destination — crafting iconic deep dish since 1971 with love, tradition, and the finest ingredients.

Pequod's pizza restaurant interior in Chicago

53+ Years of
Excellence

Since 1971

The Legend of Pequod's pizza

Pequod's pizza is more than a restaurant — it's a Chicago institution. Born in 1971 in the heart of the Windy City, pequods have been crafting the most talked-about deep dish pizza in the United States for over five decades.

Founded by Burt Katz, a visionary pizza maker who refused to follow the crowd, Pequod's became famous for its distinctive caramelized crust — a technique that creates a deep, golden-brown ring of crispy, slightly charred cheese around the edges of every pie. No other pizza in Chicago, or anywhere in the United States, quite matches this signature touch.

"The caramelized crust isn't an accident — it's a philosophy. Every pizza we make is a labor of love."
— Burt Katz, Founder

Today, under dedicated ownership, Pequod's continues the tradition at 2207 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago. Every pizza is handcrafted from scratch using only the finest Wisconsin cheese, vine-ripened tomatoes, and locally sourced toppings. The pequods pizza experience is one that guests return to again and again.

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1971 Year Founded

500K+ Pizzas Served

4.8★ Average Rating

40+ Team Members

Why We Exist

Our Mission & Core Pillars

At Pequod's, everything we do is guided by three unwavering commitments — to our guests, our community, and our craft.

Our Mission

To bring people together through the shared joy of exceptional pizza — handcrafted with honest ingredients, cooked with pride, and served with genuine Chicago hospitality every single day.

Our Vision

To remain Chicago's most beloved pizza destination — a place where tradition and innovation meet, and where every guest leaves satisfied, full, and already thinking about their next visit.

Our Promise

From the first bite of caramelized crust to the last slice, we promise authenticity, quality, and a dining experience that honors 53 years of pizza-making tradition and community love.

What We Stand For

The Pequods Values

These values aren't just words on a wall — they shape every decision, every dough ball, and every interaction at Pequod's.

Quality Ingredients

We source only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients — from Wisconsin cheese to vine-ripened tomatoes grown by trusted farms.

Community First

We are proud Chicagoans. From local hiring to neighborhood partnerships, Pequod's invests in the communities that have supported us.

Craft & Passion

Pizza-making is an art. Every pie is made by hand with the same passion and precision that Burt Katz instilled over 50 years ago.

Guest Happiness

Every guest deserves to leave happier than they arrived. Warm service, great food, and a welcoming atmosphere are non-negotiables.

Honoring Tradition

Our recipes are sacred. While we embrace the future, we never stray from the original techniques that made Pequod's a legend.

Sustainability

We reduce waste, recycle responsibly, and partner with suppliers who share our commitment to a healthier planet for future generations.

Excellence Always

We set the bar high and keep raising it. From the kitchen to the dining room, mediocrity has no place in the Pequod's story.

Integrity

Honest ingredients, honest pricing, honest people. We believe transparency builds trust, and trust builds the lasting relationships we cherish.

Our Journey

A Pequods Pizza Timeline

From a single restaurant to a Chicago icon — explore the milestones that shaped the Pequod's pizza story over five remarkable decades.

1971

The Beginning

Burt Katz opens the original Pequod's Pizza in Morton Grove, IL. His experimental caramelized crust technique sets the restaurant apart from the very first day of service.

1979

Chicago Magazine Recognition

Chicago Magazine names Pequod's pizza one of the city's top pizza destinations, introducing thousands of new fans to the legendary caramelized crust experience.

1986

New Ownership, Same Soul

Keith Cooper acquires Pequod's and relocates to the iconic 2207 N Clybourn Ave address in Lincoln Park, Chicago. The traditions, recipes, and spirit remain completely intact.

1994

Neighborhood Institution

Pequod's becomes a Lincoln Park institution with loyal regulars spanning multiple generations. Lines regularly stretch out the door on weekend evenings, a badge of honor for the team.

2005

National Media Spotlight

Food Network and national travel publications feature Pequod's as a must-visit Chicago food destination, bringing guests from across the United States and beyond.

2013

Online Ordering Launched

Pequod's embraces the digital era with online ordering, making it easier than ever for Chicagoans to enjoy their favorite deep dish pizza at home without the wait.

2019

Catering Program Expansion

A full-scale catering program launches, bringing the Pequod's experience to private events, corporate gatherings, and celebrations across the greater Chicago area.

Today

Still Going Strong

More than 53 years after opening, Pequod's pizza continues to serve the best deep dish in Chicago every day. The legend lives on — one caramelized crust at a time.

Meet the Crew

The People Behind Every Great Pizza

Our passionate team brings decades of combined experience, boundless creativity, and a shared love for great food to work every single day.

Head Chef

Marco Rivera

With 22 years behind the pizza stone, Marco is the guardian of Pequod's legendary caramelized crust. He's trained with the best in Chicago and never compromises on quality.

General Manager

Sarah Chen

Sarah has managed Pequod's operations for 12 years, ensuring every guest experience exceeds expectations. Her warmth and attention to detail set the tone for our entire team.

Dough Master

James O'Brien

James perfected his dough craft under direct tutelage of founder Burt Katz. His obsessive precision with fermentation times and hydration ratios is what makes our crust extraordinary.

Catering Director

Lisa Torres

Lisa brings Pequod's pizza to events across Chicago. With a background in event management and a deep passion for food, she creates unforgettable catering experiences for every occasion.

Interested in joining our incredible team?

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Taste the Legend

Ready to Experience Pequod's Pizza?

Now that you know our story, come live it. Order online or visit us at 2207 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago — a table is waiting for you.

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