Made with Passion
Every pizza starts with genuine love for the craft. We never rush, never cut corners, and never compromise on flavor.
Our Story
Crafting Chicago's Finest Deep-Dish Since 1974
Five decades of passion, dough, and caramelized crust — served with love in Morton Grove, Illinois.
1974
Est.
Our Story
Born in a Tiny Kitchen, Loved by a City
Pequod's Pizza was born from a simple obsession — making the perfect Chicago deep-dish. Founder Burt Katz, a self-taught pizza maestro, opened the original location in 1974 with one cast-iron pan, a secondhand oven, and a recipe that would change Chicago pizza forever.
The secret? A caramelized cheese crust — cheese pressed directly against the sides of the pan, forming a dark, crackling, buttery ring that nobody else was making. Locals noticed. Then the city noticed. Then the world noticed.
Today, from our Morton Grove home at 8520 Fernald Ave, we carry that same original spirit. Every pizza is hand-crafted to order, every crust caramelized to perfection, every ingredient sourced with care. Fifty years on — we haven't changed what made us great.
Our Mission & Values
What Drives Every Pizza We Make
These aren't buzzwords on a wall — they're the beliefs baked into every pie we craft.
Quality Ingredients
We source the freshest local produce, premium Wisconsin cheese, and hand-selected meats for every single order.
Community First
Morton Grove is our home. We invest in local partnerships, support neighborhood events, and give back every season.
Relentless Excellence
Fifty years in, we still hold ourselves to the highest standard. Good enough never is — perfection is the baseline.
Our History
Five Decades of Deep-Dish Legacy
A journey through the milestones that shaped Pequod's Pizza into the Chicago institution it is today.
1974
The Beginning
Burt Katz opens the first Pequod's in Lincoln Square, Chicago. Armed with one cast-iron pan and a revolutionary caramelized crust recipe, a legend is born.
1981
City Recognition
Chicago Tribune names Pequod's the "Best Deep-Dish in Chicago." Overnight lines form around the block and we expand our seating for the first time.
1994
Morton Grove Expands
We open our beloved Morton Grove location at 8520 Fernald Ave — bringing the Pequod's experience to the suburbs and welcoming an entirely new generation of fans.
2003
National Acclaim
Food Network features Pequod's on "Best Of" specials. Travel publications list us among America's top 10 pizzerias, drawing visitors from every US state.
2012
Catering Launch
We launch our full-service catering program, bringing Pequod's deep-dish to weddings, corporate events, and private parties across greater Chicago.
2024
50 Years Strong
Pequod's celebrates its golden anniversary. The same recipes, the same cast-iron pans, the same caramelized love — now serving over one million pizzas a year.
Meet the Team
The People Behind Every Perfect Pie
Our passionate crew brings decades of culinary expertise and a genuine love for great pizza to work every single day.
Head Chef
Marcus Reid
With 22 years in Chicago kitchens, Marcus has mastered every nuance of the caramelized crust. He leads our culinary team with precision and heart.
General Manager
Sofia Navarro
Sofia ensures every guest leaves happier than they arrived. Her hospitality philosophy is simple: every table deserves a five-star experience.
Dough Master
James Thornton
James has been hand-crafting Pequod's signature dough for 15 years. He guards the original recipe with pride and produces every batch from scratch daily.
Catering Director
Aisha Brooks
From corporate luncheons to 300-guest weddings, Aisha orchestrates every catering event with flawless execution and signature Pequod's flair.
Want to be part of our story? We're always looking for passionate people.
Get in Touch