This article was inspired by content originally published on Time Out
Introduction
Chicago’s pizza scene is no stranger to world-class accolades but when a local slice is named one of the best in the world, it’s more than hometown pride. It’s a signpost for pizza enthusiasts, suppliers, and shop owners about where the craft is headed, and what sets a true standout apart in a crowded oven.
TimeOut recently spotlighted Pequod’s Pizza, the Lincoln Park legend known for its signature caramelized crust. Now officially on Big 7 Travel’s 50 Best Pizzas in the World list, Pequod’s shows how an old-school joint can keep its slice relevant in an age of food trends and TikTok flash-fame.
A Deep-Dish Legacy that Breaks the Mold
While tourists flock to Chicago for classic deep-dish pies, Pequod’s has carved its fame with a twist a pan pizza baked in cast-iron with cheese that melts over the sides, forming a crispy, caramelized halo.
For pizza enthusiasts hoping to recreate that signature edge at home, it’s not just about piling on cheese it’s about the right tools. A quality cast-iron skillet is key along with premium mozzarella and brick cheese.
Supplier Takeaway: The Power of Signature Ingredients
Pequod’s success is proof that a single, standout feature in this case, the caramelized crust can drive decades of loyalty. For ingredient suppliers, this underlines an opportunity: help your pizzeria clients differentiate.
Consider offering bulk premium cheese blends or custom crust seasoning mixes that enable shops to craft signature pies. Suppliers can also look at food tech tools like restaurant inventory software to help chefs manage high-demand signature ingredients efficiently.
For Shop Owners: A Lesson in Storytelling and Experience
Pequod’s didn’t make the world’s best list on looks alone. Its dark, cozy dining room and no-nonsense vibe keep the focus where it should be on that legendary pan pie.
For owners, the lesson is clear: Authenticity beats gimmicks. If your pizza has a story, lean into it. Showcase your baking process on social media, run behind-the-scenes reels, or spotlight the local farms that supply your cheese and produce.
And don’t overlook the basics Pequod’s old-school ordering system is getting an upgrade with modern POS and online ordering tools.
Pizza Pro Tip: When in Doubt, Caramelize
Want to capture Pequod’s vibe in your own kitchen or shop? Try this pro move: Butter the edges of your pan or skillet generously, and sprinkle some cheese between the crust and the pan wall. As the pizza bakes, that cheese forms a crispy, golden “frico” that’s impossible to resist.
Pair this with a reliable home pizza oven for heat consistency check out the Ooni Koda if you’re serious about your at-home pie game.
A Trend to Watch: Nostalgia Never Goes Out of Style
In an era of vegan pepperoni and robotic pizza makers, Pequod’s proves that the old can be new again. The industry takeaway? Customers crave comfort and connection as much as innovation.
Whether you’re a small town shop or a national supplier, look for ways to revive classic techniques like cast-iron baking or house-made sausage and market them with pride. And if you’re a supplier, consider adding nostalgic, heritage ingredients to your lineup for clients eager to tap into this timeless trend.
The Final Slice
Pequod’s Pizza shows us that in the world of pizza, craftsmanship and character rise above all. Whether you’re testing your own caramelized crust recipe at home, brainstorming your shop’s next signature pie, or rethinking your supply chain, there’s inspiration here for every corner of the pizza community.
So preheat that oven, butter that pan edge, and get ready to serve a slice worth remembering.
Affiliate Disclosure: This article was inspired by content originally published on Time Out. This article contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you purchase them.
