Our History
"Pizza is not just food — it's a memory, a gathering place, and a piece of Chicago's soul."
Pequod's Pizza was founded in 1974 in Morton Grove, Illinois by Burt Katz — a man with a singular vision: to create a deep dish pizza unlike anything the city had ever tasted. Burt's secret? A cast-iron pan lined with cheese that caramelizes against the sides during baking, creating a crackling, bronzed crust that became our legendary signature.
The name "Pequod" comes from the ill-fated whaling ship in Herman Melville's Moby Dick — a nod to the adventurous spirit that defines both great literature and great pizza. Like Captain Ahab's pursuit, we have always chased perfection in every pie.
Over five decades, we've grown from a neighborhood gem to a Chicago institution, but our commitment remains the same: fresh, high-quality ingredients, house-made dough prepared daily, and that unmistakable caramelized crust that locals and visitors travel miles to experience.
Explore Our MenuWhat Drives Us
Five decades of pizza-making has taught us what really matters.
We use only the finest locally sourced ingredients — never cutting corners on what goes into every pie.
Every pizza is handcrafted with the same passion Burt Katz brought to his very first pan back in 1974.
We're more than a restaurant — we're a gathering place for families, friends, and Chicago's vibrant community.
We partner with responsible local farms and suppliers who share our commitment to quality and the environment.
Five Decades
From a single pan in Morton Grove to a Midwest institution — the milestones that shaped Pequod's Pizza.
Burt Katz opens Pequod's in Morton Grove, Illinois. His caramelized cheese crust technique earns immediate neighborhood love and a devoted following from day one.
The Chicago Tribune features Pequod's as one of the city's must-visit pizza destinations. Lines stretch around the block every weekend — a tradition that continues today.
Responding to overwhelming demand, a second location opens in Chicago's vibrant Lincoln Park neighborhood, bringing the caramelized crust to the city's heart.
Food Network's "Best Of" segment airs a dedicated feature on Pequod's, introducing the caramelized crust deep dish to a national audience of millions.
We launch online ordering, making it easier than ever for fans across the Midwest to get their deep dish fix delivered right to their door.
Pequod's celebrates 50 incredible years of pizza-making with a sold-out anniversary event, a limited-edition pie, and gratitude to every guest who made the journey possible.
The People Behind the Pie
Every great pizza starts with passionate people. Meet the crew who show up every day to make Pequod's what it is.
With 25 years of deep dish experience, Marcus trained under Burt Katz himself and is the custodian of Pequod's original caramelized crust recipe.
Diana keeps the Pequod's machine running smoothly. From staff training to guest experience, she ensures every visit feels like coming home.
James starts every morning at 5 AM preparing our house-made dough and personally selecting the freshest ingredients from Chicago-area suppliers.
Sofia brings the Pequod's experience to weddings, corporate events, and community gatherings across the greater Chicago area with flawless execution.
Interested in joining the Pequod's family?
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