Pequod's Pizza warm restaurant interior with guests dining
50+ Years of
Deep Dish
Our Story

Born in Chicago,
Loved by Everyone

Pequod's Pizza was founded with a single, unwavering vision: to create the most unforgettable deep dish pizza Chicago has ever tasted. What began as a humble kitchen experiment quickly became a neighborhood staple — and eventually a legendary destination for pizza lovers across the country.

Our signature caramelized crust sets us apart. By layering cheese along the edges of our cast iron pans, we achieve a deep, golden crust that's slightly crispy on the outside, perfectly soft inside. It's a technique we've perfected over decades, and one that keeps guests coming back again and again.

From our Morton Grove location, we've proudly served families, tourists, and lifelong regulars. Every pizza that leaves our kitchen carries the same care and passion as the very first one we ever made.

1971
Founded
50K+
Pizzas Served
4.8
Avg. Rating
2
Locations
View Menu
What Drives Us

Our Mission & Vision

Everything we do is guided by a deep commitment to quality, community, and the craft of great pizza.

Our Mission

To craft authentic Chicago deep dish pizza using only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients — delivered with genuine hospitality that makes every guest feel like family.

Our Vision

To be the gold standard for deep dish pizza — a place where tradition meets innovation, and where every bite tells the story of Chicago's rich culinary heritage.

Our Promise

We promise to never cut corners — from the freshest tomatoes to the finest mozzarella and our iconic caramelized crust. Every pizza is made with care, every single time.

Community First

We believe in giving back to the neighborhoods that have supported us. From local sourcing to community events, we're proud to be part of the Chicago fabric.

Sustainable Sourcing

We partner with local farmers and suppliers whenever possible, reducing our environmental footprint while ensuring the freshest ingredients end up on your plate.

Relentless Quality

Every dough ball is hand-pressed. Every sauce is made fresh daily. Every pizza is inspected before it reaches your table. Quality isn't just a standard — it's our identity.

Core Values

What We Stand For

Our values aren't just words on a wall — they shape every decision, every recipe, and every customer interaction.

Excellence

We pursue excellence in every detail — from ingredient selection to presentation. Good enough is never good enough for us.

Integrity

We operate with honesty and transparency — fair pricing, honest ingredients, and genuine service you can count on.

Passion

Pizza isn't just our product — it's our passion. Every team member brings energy, love, and pride to their craft daily.

Hospitality

Our guests are our guests, not transactions. We create warm, welcoming experiences that go far beyond the pizza itself.

Our Journey

A Half Century of Deep Dish

From a small Chicago kitchen to a legendary institution — here's how it all happened.

1971

The Beginning

Pequod's Pizza opened its doors in Lincoln Park, Chicago. Founder Burt Katz introduced his now-famous caramelized-crust deep dish recipe that would change pizza history.

1986

A New Chapter

Keith Jackson takes ownership, preserving every element of the original recipes while bringing renewed energy and fresh ideas to the beloved restaurant.

1995

Morton Grove Location

The Morton Grove location at 8520 Fernald Ave opens its doors, bringing Pequod's legendary deep dish to the North Shore suburbs of Chicago.

2005

National Recognition

Pequod's Pizza earns national media coverage and is featured in major food publications as one of the top deep dish pizza destinations in the United States.

2015

Going Digital

Pequod's launches online ordering and delivery, making it easier than ever for fans near and far to enjoy our legendary pizza from the comfort of home.

2024

Stronger Than Ever

Over 50 years in, Pequod's continues to innovate — expanding our menu, growing our team, and serving thousands of pizzas weekly with the same original passion.

The People Behind the Pizza

Meet Our Team

Our team is the heart of Pequod's — passionate professionals who bring skill, dedication, and a love of great food to work every day.

Keith Jackson

Owner & Executive Chef

Over 35 years of deep dish mastery. Keith has dedicated his career to preserving and perfecting Burt Katz's original caramelized crust legacy.

Maria Gonzalez

Head Pizzaiola

A culinary school graduate with 18 years in Chicago kitchens, Maria oversees dough production, sauce creation, and every pizza that leaves our ovens.

James Thornton

General Manager

James ensures every visit to Pequod's is seamless and memorable. His hospitality background and attention to detail keep operations running at their best.

Sara Chen

Customer Experience Director

Sara is the reason our guests keep coming back. From staff training to guest feedback, she champions the warm, welcoming experience Pequod's is known for.

Interested in joining our passionate team? We're always looking for talented people who love great food.

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Ready to Taste
Legendary Pizza?

Join thousands of happy guests who've discovered the magic of Pequod's caramelized deep dish crust.