Est. 1971

About Pequod's pizza

The legendary story behind Morton Grove's most beloved deep-dish destination — a piccolo legacy of caramelized crusts and community.

Pequod's pizza kitchen crafting deep-dish pizza
53+ Years of Craft

How Pequod's pizza Became a Legend

Pequod's pizza started in 1971 with a single, obsessive idea: make the greatest deep-dish pizza in the world, right here in Morton Grove, Illinois.

Founder Burt Katz believed that the secret to an unforgettable pizza lay in the crust — specifically in allowing the cheese to caramelize against the cast-iron pan, creating the signature dark, crispy-yet-chewy edge that now defines the pequods style. What began as a neighbourhood experiment became a regional obsession, then a national pilgrimage destination.

Through decades of ownership changes and culinary evolution, the Pequod's spirit has never wavered. Today our team honours every tradition Burt established while constantly refining each pie. From the hand-pressed dough proofed every morning to the chunky house-made tomato sauce ladled on top (yes, on top — that's the Chicago way), every step reflects our deep respect for craft.

Whether you're a Morton Grove local or a visitor who drove three hours just for a slice, we want your Pequod's experience to feel like coming home.

1971
Founded
50K+
Pizzas / Year
4.8
Avg. Rating
35+
Team Members

The Pequods Difference — Crafted with Obsession

At pequods, we don't follow pizza trends — we create them. Every element of our process has been refined over five decades to produce pies that are impossible to imitate. From our custom-seasoned cast-iron pans to the aged Wisconsin mozzarella layered before the sauce, the difference is in the details.

The Caramelized Crust

Cheese baked directly against the cast-iron edge creates our signature amber crust — crackling, buttery, and utterly addictive.

Fresh, Local Ingredients

We source produce from regional farms wherever possible, ensuring every topping is at peak flavour when it hits your pie.

Made to Order, Every Time

No pre-made pies under heat lamps here. Each pizza is pressed, filled, and baked fresh to order — worth every minute of the wait.

Community First

We've been feeding Morton Grove families for generations. Local fundraisers, school nights, and charity drives are all part of who we are.

Pequods pizza caramelized deep-dish fresh out of the oven

The Values Behind Every Slice

Pequods pizza is built on a foundation of values that guide everything from ingredient sourcing to how we greet each guest at the door.

Uncompromising Quality

We use only the finest ingredients, refusing to cut corners even when it would be easier and cheaper to do so.

Community Roots

Morton Grove is our home. We invest in the people and neighbourhoods that have supported us for over five decades.

Sustainable Practices

From compostable packaging to energy-efficient ovens, we strive to serve great food without costing the planet.

Genuine Hospitality

Every guest deserves a warm welcome and a memorable meal. We train every team member to deliver exactly that.

The Pequod's pizza Timeline

Over half a century of dough, cheese, and caramelized legend — here are the moments that shaped who we are today.

1971

The First Pan

Burt Katz opens Pequod's in Morton Grove, debuting the now-legendary caramelized-edge deep-dish pizza that would change Chicago pizza forever.

1979

A City Takes Notice

Chicago Magazine names Pequod's one of the top pizzerias in the city. Weekend wait times stretch to two hours — and nobody minds.

1986

New Ownership, Same Soul

Keith Jackson takes the helm, pledging to honour every tradition Burt established. He extends the menu while keeping the original recipes untouched.

1995

National Recognition

Food Network features Pequod's in a deep-dish documentary. Suddenly visitors fly in from across the country just to try a single slice.

2005

Gluten-Free & More

Responding to guest feedback, we introduce gluten-friendly crust options and an expanded vegetarian menu — without compromising the core experience.

2015

Online Ordering Launches

We bring Pequod's to your doorstep with the launch of our online ordering platform, letting fans across the region order pickup and delivery with ease.

2024

Still Going Strong

Over 50 years in, Pequod's pizza keeps its Morton Grove roots while serving more guests than ever before — one caramelized-edge pie at a time.

The People Behind Pequod's pizza

Our talented crew shows up every day with one goal: to make your visit unforgettable. Get to know the faces behind the pies.

Marcus Reid

Head Chef & Pitmaster

With 22 years behind the cast-iron, Marcus is the guardian of Pequod's original recipes. He's personally trained every pizza maker on our team.

Sophia Nguyen

General Manager

Sophia ensures every guest leaves happier than when they arrived. Her background in fine dining brings a level of hospitality rarely found in a pizzeria.

Daniel Torres

Sous Chef

Daniel leads our daily prep operations with military precision. He pioneered our seasonal specials programme and manages our relationships with local farmers.

Priya Kapoor

Guest Experience Lead

Priya is the friendly face that greets you at the door. She coordinates our catering programme and keeps guest satisfaction scores at an all-time high.

Interested in joining our passionate team?

View Open Positions

Come Visit Us in Morton Grove

Pequod's pizza dining room interior
Deep-dish pizza coming out of the oven at Pequod's
Cozy atmosphere at Pequod's pizza Morton Grove

Experience Pequod's pizza Today

Now you know the story — it's time to taste the legend. Order a deep-dish pie crafted with 50+ years of pequods pizza expertise.

Find Us
8520 Fernald Ave, Morton Grove, IL
Call Us
Hours
Mon–Sun: 11am–11pm