Our Story

About Pequod's Pizza

Pequod's pizza has been crafting Chicago's most celebrated deep dish since 1971. Discover the passion, the people, and the pequods tradition behind every legendary slice.

Pequod's pizza restaurant ambiance — the birthplace of Chicago deep dish legend

50+ Years of Craft

Who We Are

A Chicago Institution
Born from Passion

Pequod's pizza was founded in 1971 in Morton Grove, Illinois, by Burt Katz — a visionary cook with an obsession for perfectly caramelized deep dish crust. His pequods recipe was unlike anything Chicago had tasted: a thick, buttery crust with a caramelized cheese edge that became the defining signature of the restaurant.

"The caramelized crust isn't just a technique — it's a commitment to giving every guest something they'll crave for the rest of their life."

In 1986, the restaurant moved to its beloved Lincoln Park location at 2207 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, where it has been a neighborhood cornerstone for over three decades. What began as a modest kitchen experiment became a pilgrimage destination for food lovers across the United States and around the world.

Today, Pequod's pizza continues to honor Burt's original vision while embracing the diverse community of Chicago. Every pie is hand-crafted with the same care and dedication that started it all — a testament to what happens when great ingredients meet genuine love for food.

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What Drives Us

Our Mission & Purpose

We exist to bring people together over extraordinary food — one perfectly crafted pizza at a time.

Crafted with Love

Every Pequod's pizza is prepared by hand, with attention to every detail — from dough to caramelized crust edge.

Fresh Ingredients

We source quality ingredients daily — premium cheeses, vine-ripened tomatoes, and locally inspired toppings.

Community First

We are a Lincoln Park landmark because our neighbors are our family. Community shapes everything we do.

Tradition & Excellence

Decades of refinement have produced a recipe and standard of excellence we are proud to carry forward every day.

pequods philosophy

The Values We Live By

Authenticity Above All

We never compromise on our original recipe. The pequods pizza you taste today is faithful to the vision Burt Katz had in 1971 — no shortcuts, no substitutions, no imitations.

Warm Hospitality

Every guest who walks through our doors is welcomed like a neighbor. Our team is trained not just to serve food, but to create memorable experiences worth coming back for.

Continuous Improvement

While we honor tradition, we never stop learning. We invest in our team, refine our processes, and listen to feedback so we can keep raising the bar for food in the United States.

Responsible Sourcing

We partner with suppliers who share our standards. Quality begins before ingredients reach our kitchen — and we hold every step of that journey to the same high expectations.

Transparency & Trust

We are honest about what goes into our food, our pricing, and our practices. Our guests deserve clarity, and we earn their loyalty through consistent integrity.

Giving Back

Chicago gave Pequod's its name and heart. We actively support local causes, neighborhood events, and charitable efforts that strengthen the city we call home.

Our Journey

Five Decades of Deep Dish History

From a small kitchen in Morton Grove to a Chicago icon — here's how the Pequod's pizza story unfolded.

1971

The Beginning

Burt Katz opens Pequod's pizza in Morton Grove, Illinois. His caramelized cheese-crust deep dish immediately turns heads and earns a devoted local following.

1986

Lincoln Park Opens

Pequod's expands to its iconic 2207 N Clybourn Ave address in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, bringing the legendary pequods deep dish to the heart of the city.

1994

Chicago Magazine Recognition

Chicago Magazine names Pequod's pizza among the top deep dish restaurants in the city — launching a wave of national media attention and new visitors from across the United States.

2003

New Ownership, Same Soul

Keith Jackson acquires Pequod's with a commitment to preserve every element of the original pequods pizza experience — the crust, the sauce, the warmth. The legacy continues unchanged.

2015

National Food Awards

Pequod's pizza earns recognition from national food publications and travel guides, cementing its status as a must-visit culinary destination in the United States.

Today

Still Going Strong

Over 50 years since its founding, Pequod's pizza remains one of Chicago's most beloved institutions — still crafting every pie by hand, still caramelizing that iconic crust, still welcoming all.

The People Behind the Pizza

Meet Our Team

The heart of Pequod's pizza is its people — dedicated, passionate, and proud to carry on a half-century of Chicago tradition.

Keith Jackson

Owner & General Manager

Keith has stewarded Pequod's pizza since 2003 with an unwavering commitment to preserving Burt Katz's original pequods vision while growing a welcoming team culture.

Maria Esposito

Executive Chef

With over 18 years in Chicago's culinary scene, Maria leads our kitchen team with precision and creativity, ensuring every Pequod's pizza meets its legendary standard.

Daniel Torres

Head Pizzaiolo

Daniel has been crafting the iconic caramelized crust at Pequod's for 12 years. His hands know the dough like no one else, and guests taste the difference in every slice.

Aisha Coleman

Hospitality Director

Aisha ensures every person who visits Pequod's feels at home. Her warm leadership and guest-first approach have earned countless loyal regulars and five-star reviews.