Our Story

A Chicago Pizza Legend
Since 1987

From a small kitchen on the North Side to an institution beloved by locals and visitors alike — discover the passion, craft, and caramelized crust that built Pequod's Pizza.

37+ Years of Legacy

2M+ Pizzas Served

4.9 Average Rating

50+ Team Members

Interior of Pequod's Pizza restaurant with warm ambiance

1987 Est. Morton Grove

Our Story

Where the Crust Becomes the Legend

Pequod's Pizza was founded in 1987 by a team of passionate Chicagoans who believed that deep dish pizza could be something truly extraordinary. The secret? A caramelized crust — cheese layered right to the edge of the pan so it toasts and crisps into a golden, slightly crispy ring that no other pizzeria could replicate.

Nestled in the quiet neighborhood of Morton Grove, Illinois, Pequod's quickly became a pilgrimage destination for pizza lovers from across the country. Food critics, loyal regulars, and first-time visitors all agree: once you've tasted that caramelized crust, no other pizza will ever quite measure up.

Today, more than three decades later, we still make every pizza the same way — by hand, with fresh ingredients, and with the same unbending pride that started it all.

Caramelized Crust

Our signature technique, unchanged since day one

Fresh Ingredients

Locally sourced produce and premium cheeses

Handcrafted Daily

Every pizza made by hand, every single day

Award-Winning

Consistently rated Chicago's best deep dish

Our Mission

What Drives Us Every Day

We exist to bring people together over extraordinary food — with craftsmanship you can taste in every bite.

Made with Passion

Every pizza is an expression of love for the craft. We pour our hearts into each pie we make.

Community First

Pequod's is more than a restaurant — it's a gathering place for neighbors, families, and friends.

Uncompromising Quality

We refuse to cut corners on ingredients, technique, or time. Quality is non-negotiable.

Honoring Tradition

Chicago's deep dish heritage is sacred to us. We protect and celebrate it with every oven we fire up.

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Our History

37 Years of Deep Dish Legacy

From a neighborhood gem to a Chicago institution — here's how we got here.

1987

The Beginning

Pequod's Pizza opens its doors in Morton Grove, Illinois, introducing the now-famous caramelized crust deep dish to the neighborhood.

1993

Word Spreads

Chicago Tribune features Pequod's as a "must-try" destination, drawing food lovers from across the city and beyond for the first time.

2001

National Recognition

Food Network features Pequod's in a special on America's best regional pizza. Lines stretch around the block every Friday and Saturday night.

2008

Expansion & Growth

The kitchen is expanded and a full bar added to serve the growing demand. Staff doubles, but the recipes stay the same.

2015

Digital Era

Online ordering and delivery launched. Pequod's caramelized crust reaches fans who can't make it to Morton Grove in person.

2024

Still Going Strong

Over 2 million pizzas served. Pequod's continues to be rated among the top deep dish pizzerias in the entire United States.

Our Team

The People Behind the Pizza

Meet the dedicated team who show up every day to craft the deep dish that keeps Chicago coming back.

Marco DiLorenzo

Head Chef & Co-Founder

Marco invented the caramelized crust technique in 1987 and has never revealed the full secret. After 37 years, he still personally approves every sauce batch.

Sandra Kowalski

General Manager

Sandra has run the floor at Pequod's for 18 years. Her attention to hospitality is why guests feel like family the moment they walk through the door.

James Okafor

Sous Chef

A Culinary Institute of America graduate who fell in love with Chicago deep dish. James leads our daily prep team and is the driving force behind seasonal specials.

Priya Sharma

Community & Events

Priya brings Pequod's into the community through events, catering partnerships, and neighborhood initiatives that keep the Pequod's family growing.

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Our Values

The Principles We Live By

Everything we do at Pequod's is guided by a core set of values we've held since the very beginning.

Relentless Quality

We source the finest mozzarella, the ripest tomatoes, and the freshest dough — because the quality of your pizza depends entirely on the quality of what goes into it.

Genuine Hospitality

Whether it's your first visit or your five hundredth, every guest deserves warmth, respect, and a smile. Hospitality isn't a policy — it's who we are.

Sustainability

We partner with local Illinois farms, reduce food waste, and use eco-friendly packaging because we care about the community we feed and the planet we share.

Creative Spirit

Tradition inspires us, but curiosity drives us forward. Our seasonal specials and rotating toppings keep the menu exciting and our kitchen team engaged.

Integrity Always

We do what we say and say what we mean. From our ingredient sourcing to our pricing to how we treat our team — honesty is at the center of everything.

Team Above All

Our people make the pizza. We invest in fair wages, great training, and a positive kitchen culture because a happy team makes a better product.

A Chicago Pizza LegendSince 1987