Marco Rossi
Head Chef & Pit Master
With 22 years behind the oven, Marco has perfected Burt's original caramelized crust recipe and pushes its boundaries with seasonal creations.
53+
Years of History
120K+
Pizzas Served
4.9★
Average Rating
2
Iconic Locations
Our Story
Where Pequods Pizza Was Born
It all started in 1971 when founder Burt Katz set out to create something truly different — a deep-dish pizza with a caramelized cheese crust so unique that Chicagoans would line up around the block just to taste it. The name "Pequod" was inspired by the whaling ship in Moby Dick, a nod to the adventurous spirit that defined the brand from day one.
"We didn't want to make another pizza. We wanted to make the pizza everyone would remember."
Today, pequod's pizza continues the same tradition at our Morton Grove location. Every pie is hand-crafted using the original recipe — layered with premium cheese, slow-simmered sauce, and baked to golden perfection in a well-seasoned cast-iron pan. The caramelized crust that Burt invented remains our unmistakable signature.
We believe great pizza brings people together. Whether it's a family dinner, a birthday celebration, or just a Tuesday night craving, Pequod's pizza is where memories are made, one delicious slice at a time.
Our Mission
What We Stand For
Every decision we make — from ingredient sourcing to how we greet our guests — is guided by a set of core principles that have defined Pequod's pizza since 1971.
Made with Passion
Every pizza is crafted with the same love and dedication Burt Katz poured into the very first one. No shortcuts, no compromises.
Fresh Ingredients
We partner with local suppliers to source the freshest tomatoes, cheeses, and toppings — because quality ingredients make the difference.
Community First
Morton Grove is our home. We're proud to be part of this community and committed to giving back through local partnerships and events.
Proven Excellence
Over five decades of awards, accolades, and loyal customers speak louder than any advertisement. We let the pizza do the talking.
Our Journey
Five Decades of pequods Pizza
From a single restaurant to a Chicago institution — here's how Pequod's pizza grew into the legend it is today.
1971
The Beginning
Burt Katz opens the original Pequod's in Morton Grove, Illinois, introducing Chicago to a deep-dish pizza with a caramelized cheese crust unlike anything seen before.
1980
Word Spreads
Chicago Magazine names Pequod's pizza one of the top five pizzerias in the city. Lines begin forming before opening time on weekends — a tradition that continues today.
1986
Lincoln Park Opens
Responding to overwhelming demand from the city, a second location opens in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, bringing the legendary caramelized crust to a whole new audience.
1998
New Ownership, Same Soul
The Stolfe family takes ownership of the Morton Grove location, preserving Burt's original recipes and spirit while upgrading the dining experience for a new generation of pizza lovers.
2010
National Recognition
Food Network and Travel Channel both feature Pequod's pizza as a "must-eat" destination in the United States, bringing visitors from across the country to Morton Grove.
2020
Expanding Online
Pequod's launches online ordering and curbside pickup to serve the community safely. Our pequods pizza fans prove their loyalty — delivery orders surge by 300% overnight.
Today
Still Going Strong
More than 53 years later, Pequod's pizza remains a Chicago institution. We're still making every pie by hand, still using Burt's original recipe, and still serving the best deep-dish in Illinois.
Meet the Team
The People Behind Every Slice
Our talented team brings decades of experience, genuine passion, and a deep love for great food to everything they do at Pequod's pizza.
Sarah Chen
General Manager
Sarah ensures every guest leaves with a smile. Her hospitality philosophy is simple: treat every customer like family — just like Pequod's always has.
James Kowalski
Dough & Sauce Artisan
James hand-crafts every batch of dough and slow-simmers our signature tomato sauce daily. His obsession with texture makes our crust legendary.
Nadia Rivera
Events & Catering Lead
Nadia brings the Pequod's pizza experience to weddings, corporate events, and parties across the greater Chicago area with meticulous care and creativity.
Want to join our award-winning team?
Get in TouchCore Values
What Makes Pequod's Different
pequods pizza isn't just a meal — it's a philosophy. These values guide every action we take, every pizza we bake, and every guest we serve in United States.
Authenticity Above All
We never cut corners on our original recipe. The same cast-iron pans, the same cheese blend, the same caramelized crust that started it all in 1971.
Handcrafted with Pride
Every single pizza is made by hand. No conveyor belts, no automation — just skilled hands, quality ingredients, and time-tested technique.
Rooted in Morton Grove
We are proud to be a local institution. Our community inspires us every day, and we're committed to contributing back through local hiring and partnerships.
Relentless Quality
From sourcing the freshest ingredients to training our staff, quality isn't a standard we aim for — it's the baseline we start from every single day.
Ready to Taste the Legend?
Experience Pequod's Pizza for Yourself
Join over 120,000 satisfied customers who have made Pequod's pizza a part of their lives. Order online or visit us in Morton Grove today.
8520 Fernald Ave
Morton Grove, IL 60053
Open Daily
Sun–Thu 11am–10pm