About Pequod's Pizza
Pequod's pizza has been serving legendary deep dish pizza in United States since 1971. Discover the passion, craftsmanship, and community spirit behind every caramelized crust that makes pequods a household name.
Who We Are
The Story Behind
Pequod's Pizza
Pequod's pizza was born in 1971 in the heart of Morton Grove, Illinois, from a simple but radical idea: deep dish pizza deserved its own identity. Founder Burt Katz developed a recipe unlike anything Chicago had seen — a thick, doughy crust pressed up the sides of a pan, layered with chunky tomato sauce, generous toppings, and finished with cheese baked directly onto the crust edge to create a signature caramelized ring of flavor.
The name "Pequod" — drawn from Herman Melville's iconic whaling vessel in Moby-Dick — reflected an adventurous spirit. Just like the ship's crew, the team at pequods pizza set out on a bold culinary voyage that would define Chicago deep dish for generations.
- Hand-crafted dough made fresh every single day from proprietary recipes
- Premium locally-sourced ingredients — no shortcuts, ever
- The only caramelized-crust deep dish in all of United States
- Family-owned values that have guided every decision for over 50 years
What Drives Us
Our Mission & Core Values
At Pequod's pizza, every decision — from the flour we use to how we greet each guest — is guided by principles that have defined pequods pizza since day one.
Uncompromising Quality
We never cut corners. Every pizza is crafted with the finest ingredients and the same care that Burt Katz put into the very first Pequod's pie in 1971.
Made With Passion
Pizza-making is an art form here. Our kitchen team brings genuine love to every dough stretch, sauce ladle, and cheese pull — no assembly line mentality.
Community First
We're proud to be a Morton Grove institution. We hire locally, source locally, and give back to the neighborhoods that have supported us for over five decades.
Honest Ingredients
No artificial additives. No mystery fillers. Just real, recognizable ingredients that you'd be proud to share with your family at every meal.
Our Journey
50+ Years of pequods pizza History
From a single oven in Morton Grove to a beloved American pizza landmark — here's how the Pequod's pizza story unfolded over the decades.
The First Slice
Burt Katz opens Pequod's pizza at 8520 Fernald Ave in Morton Grove, IL. The first caramelized-crust deep dish emerges from the oven — and nothing in Chicago pizza would ever be the same.
Word Gets Out
Local newspaper reviews spark a wave of new customers from across the Chicago metropolitan area. Weekend wait times stretch to two hours — and people gladly line up.
Chicago Location Opens
A second Pequod's location opens in Lincoln Park, Chicago, bringing the legendary caramelized crust to a whole new generation of deep dish devotees in the city.
National Recognition
Food Network and national food magazines name Pequod's pizza among the top deep dish experiences in the United States, drawing visitors from all 50 states.
Online Ordering Launches
Pequod's embraces the digital age, launching online ordering so fans across United States can place carry-out orders. The first day sets a record for carry-out volume.
Still Going Strong
Over 50 years later, Pequod's pizza continues serving the same recipe, the same way, with the same family spirit. Every day is a celebration of what great pizza should be.
The People Behind the Pizza
Meet Our Team
Behind every perfect pequods pizza crust is a dedicated team of passionate people who show up every day to craft something truly special.
Marcus Rivera
Head Chef
With 22 years in Chicago kitchens, Marcus protects the original Pequod's recipe while training every new cook to master the caramelized crust technique.
Sofia Delgado
General Manager
Sofia has kept Pequod's running like clockwork for over 14 years. Her warm energy sets the tone for every guest interaction from the moment you walk in.
James Kowalski
Dough Master
James has been hand-crafting Pequod's signature dough since 2008. He arrives at 5 AM every morning to ensure every batch meets the exact original specification.
Priya Nair
Guest Experience Director
Priya ensures every visitor to Pequod's leaves with a smile. She oversees front-of-house operations and catering coordination across both locations.
Passionate about pizza? We're always looking for talented people who share our values.
See Open Positions