Marco Rossi
Head PizzaioloWith 22 years at the oven, Marco guards the original recipe with the devotion of a craftsman. His caramelized crust is the stuff of legend.
50+
Years of Crafting
Perfect Pizza
Perfect Pizza
4.9
Customer Rating
Who We Are
A Legacy Built
A Legacy Built
One Slice at a Time
Pequod's Pizza was born in 1971 from the vision of a passionate pizzaiolo who believed Chicago deserved something truly special — a deep-dish with a caramelized, buttery crust that could never be replicated anywhere else on earth.
What started as a small family operation in Morton Grove, Illinois has grown into a beloved destination for pizza lovers across the country. Our recipe has remained unchanged: premium ingredients, slow-fermented dough, a cast-iron pan, and the patience to let the oven do its magic.
Every pizza that leaves our kitchen carries with it five decades of tradition, technique, and an unwavering commitment to making your meal extraordinary.
Fresh, Local Ingredients
We source produce from Illinois farms and partner with local suppliers who share our quality standards.
Hand-Crafted Daily
Every dough ball is hand-pressed each morning — never frozen, never rushed.
Community First
We're proud to have fed generations of Morton Grove families and to give back to our local community.
1971
Year Founded
500k+
Pizzas Served
25+
Team Members
4.9★
Average Rating
What Drives Us
Our Mission & Core Values
Everything we do is guided by a simple belief: great food, made with integrity, served with genuine hospitality.
Our Mission
To deliver an unforgettable deep-dish pizza experience that celebrates Chicago's culinary heritage, using only the finest ingredients and time-honored techniques passed down through generations.
Our Vision
To be the definitive destination for deep-dish pizza lovers everywhere — a place where every visit feels like coming home, and every bite reminds you why Pequod's is truly one of a kind.
Our Promise
We promise to never cut corners, never compromise on quality, and always treat every guest like a member of our family — because at Pequod's, that's exactly what you are.
Quality
Premium ingredients, no shortcuts. Every topping is selected with purpose.
Community
Rooted in Morton Grove, we give back to the neighborhood that raised us.
Hospitality
Warm, genuine service that makes every guest feel welcome and valued.
Innovation
Honoring tradition while embracing fresh ideas and seasonal flavors.
Our Journey
Five Decades of Pizza History
From a family dream to a Chicago institution — here are the milestones that shaped who we are today.
1971
The Beginning
Founder Rick Schmitt opens the original Pequod's location in Morton Grove with a radical idea: a deep-dish pizza with a caramelized cheese crust that no one had ever tasted before.
1978
The Secret Dough Recipe
After years of experimentation, the iconic slow-fermented dough formula is perfected — the same recipe we use to this day. Word begins to spread across Chicago.
1986
A Chicago Institution
Chicago Magazine names Pequod's among the city's top 10 restaurants. The waitlist on weekends stretches around the block — a tradition that continues today.
1994
Second Generation Takes the Helm
The Schmitt family passes leadership to the second generation, who modernize operations while fiercely protecting the original recipes and the restaurant's soul.
2005
National Recognition
Food Network features Pequod's in a deep-dish special, introducing our caramelized crust to millions of viewers nationwide and putting Morton Grove on the culinary map.
2015
Digital Launch & Delivery
Pequod's launches online ordering and local delivery, making our legendary pies accessible to customers who can't always make it to Morton Grove in person.
2024
50+ Years & Still Going Strong
We celebrate over five decades of serving Chicago's best deep-dish, with a renovated dining room, an expanded catering menu, and the same uncompromising love for great pizza.
The People Behind the Pizza
Meet Our Team
Passionate professionals who wake up every day driven by one goal: to make your pizza experience unforgettable.
Diane Kowalski
General ManagerDiane has run the floor at Pequod's for 15 years, ensuring every guest leaves happy. Her warmth sets the tone for our entire team.
James Ortega
Sous ChefA culinary school graduate with a passion for bold flavor, James leads our sauce program and brings fresh ideas to our seasonal specials.
Priya Sharma
Catering & EventsPriya brings Pequod's magic to weddings, corporate events, and parties across the Chicago area with precision and creative flair.
Interested in joining our family?
View Open Positions
See for Yourself
The Atmosphere Is Part of the Experience
From the sizzle of the cast-iron pan to the warmth of our dining room — Pequod's is a place made for gathering. Come see why people keep coming back year after year.
