Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, Chicago

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria is another iconic name in Chicago's deep-dish pizza scene. The story begins with Lou Malnati, whose family played a significant role in popularizing Chicago-style deep-dish pizza.

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria was founded by Lou Malnati in 1971, but the roots of the pizzeria trace back even further. Lou's father, Rudy Malnati, was a key figure in the development of Chicago deep-dish pizza. Rudy worked at Pizzeria Uno, where he was involved in perfecting the deep-dish recipe alongside the founders, Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo. Rudy Malnati’s influence on the deep-dish pizza recipe was significant, and he passed on his knowledge and techniques to his son Lou.

When Lou Malnati opened his own pizzeria, he brought with him the deep-dish pizza style that his family had helped to create. Lou’s version of the deep-dish pizza was known for its buttery crust, high-quality ingredients, and a rich, flavorful sauce. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria quickly became renowned for its delicious and authentic Chicago-style deep-dish pizza.

Under Lou Malnati's leadership, the pizzeria grew and expanded, becoming a beloved institution in Chicago.