Our Story

About Pequod's pizza

Pequod's pizza is Chicago's most beloved deep dish destination — where tradition meets passion and every pie tells a story. Discover the heart behind the pequods pizza legend.

Pequod's pizza restaurant interior — Chicago deep dish dining experience

50+ Years of Tradition

Our Beginning

The Pequod's Story

Pequod's pizza was born from a simple but powerful idea — that Chicago deserved a deep dish pizza unlike anything the world had ever tasted. Named after the legendary whaling ship from Moby Dick, our restaurant carries that same spirit of adventure and pursuit of something truly extraordinary.

Founded on the belief that great food brings people together, Pequod's has grown from a neighborhood gem on Clybourn Avenue into one of the most iconic pizza destinations in the United States. Our signature caramelized crust — crispy, slightly charred around the edges, deeply satisfying — is what sets pequods apart from every other pizza in the world.

Every pizza that leaves our kitchen is crafted with the same care and devotion as the first one ever made here. No shortcuts, no compromises. Just real ingredients, real flavor, and a real connection to Chicago's rich culinary heritage.

                                1971
                                Founded
                            

                                50K+
                                Happy Guests / Year
                            

                                12+
                                Signature Pizzas
                            

                                4.9★
                                Average Rating
                            

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What Drives Us

Our Mission & Values

Everything we do at Pequod's pizza is guided by a clear purpose — to create unforgettable food experiences that honor Chicago's spirit and bring joy to every guest.

Made With Passion

Every pizza is crafted with love and dedication by our team of skilled artisans who take pride in every single pie that comes out of our kitchen.

Fresh Ingredients

We source only the finest local and seasonal ingredients, ensuring that every bite is packed with authentic, vibrant flavor you can taste.

Community First

Pequod's is more than a restaurant — it's a gathering place. We're proud to be woven into the fabric of Chicago's neighborhood life and culture.

Legendary Quality

Our recipes have stood the test of time for decades. We never cut corners — we just keep doing what we do best, pizza after perfect pizza.

pequods pizza kitchen — fresh dough and quality ingredients prepared daily

What We Stand For

The Pequods Pizza Principles

These are the core principles that have guided pequods pizza from day one — the beliefs that shape every decision, every recipe, and every guest interaction.

Authenticity Above All

We never pretend to be something we're not. Pequod's pizza is proudly Chicago, proudly deep dish, and proudly itself. Our recipes are original, our flavors are genuine, and our hospitality is real.

Consistency in Every Bite

Whether it's your first visit or your fiftieth, you should always get the same extraordinary experience. Consistency is the foundation of trust, and trust is what keeps guests coming back.

Respect for Craft

Pizza-making is an art form. We honor that craft by investing in our team's skills, refining our techniques, and never settling for anything less than the best possible result.

Warmth & Welcome

Every person who walks through our doors deserves to feel welcomed, valued, and cared for. Our hospitality is as important to us as the food itself.

The People Behind the Pie

Meet Our Team

The passionate people who make Pequod's pizza what it is every single day — dedicated, skilled, and deeply proud of everything that comes out of our kitchen.

Marco Rossi

Executive Head Chef

With over 25 years of culinary mastery, Marco is the creative force behind Pequod's legendary caramelized crust recipe and signature deep dish blends.

Sarah Chen

Restaurant Manager

Sarah brings warmth and precision to every shift. Her dedication to outstanding guest experiences has made Pequod's a destination worth returning to, again and again.

James DeLuca

Dough & Pastry Specialist

James is the guardian of the dough. His deep understanding of fermentation, flour blends, and proofing times is the secret weapon behind every perfect Pequod's crust.

Lucia Morales

Head of Catering

Lucia orchestrates seamless catering experiences for weddings, corporate events, and private parties — bringing Pequod's legendary pizza to every occasion.

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The Journey

Our History

From a single kitchen on Clybourn Avenue to Chicago's most iconic pizza landmark — the Pequod's story is one of passion, persistence, and perfect pizza.

1971

The First Slice

Pequod's pizza opens its doors for the first time on Clybourn Avenue, Chicago. The caramelized crust recipe is born — a totally new way to enjoy deep dish pizza that would soon captivate a city.

1978

The Signature Crust is Born

After years of experimentation, our iconic caramelized edge crust becomes the defining feature of Pequod's pizza — a crispy, slightly charred border of cheese that wraps every pie in pure perfection.

1986

Chicago's Best Pizza Award

Pequod's is named Chicago's Best Deep Dish Pizza by the Chicago Tribune — cementing our place in the city's culinary history and bringing guests from across the United States to our door.

1995

Morton Grove Location Opens

Growing demand from north suburban guests leads to the opening of our second location in Morton Grove, IL — making Pequod's accessible to more pizza lovers across the Chicago area.

2004

National Television Feature

Pequod's pizza is featured on national food television programs, introducing our legendary deep dish to millions of viewers across the country and sparking a wave of out-of-state pilgrims.

2012

Online Ordering Launches

We embrace the digital age by launching online ordering, making it easier than ever for Chicago pizza lovers to Order Now from the comfort of their homes and offices.

2019

50 Years of Legend

Pequod's celebrates nearly five decades of serving Chicago's finest deep dish pizza. Thousands of loyal guests join us in celebrating a milestone that few restaurants ever reach.

Today

Still Going Strong

Pequod's pizza continues to evolve while honoring everything that made us great. New team members, new menu additions, same legendary quality — serving Chicago and welcoming visitors from across the world every single day.