This article was inspired by Eater Chicago and Time Out Chicago
Introduction
Chicago deep‑dish enthusiasts, take note: Milly’s Pizza in the Pan, known for its caramelized crust edges and chef-layered pie presentation, is relocating from Uptown to Noble Square this summer . Owner Robert Maleski aims to double daily pie output from 60 to 120 thanks to a new, state-of-the-art Middleby Marshall conveyor oven (nicknamed the “Cadillac of pizza ovens”). While the Uptown lease expires August 1, the new Noble Square site at 925 N. Ashland Ave. is set to open by late July 2025.
Despite just 12 seats, this new location promises pizza power: a larger kitchen, better oven, and potential access to downtown tourists craving that crispy‑corner deep‑dish fix.
🧀 For Enthusiasts: Discovering Deep Dish Rediscovered
Milly’s journey from a Logan Square ghost kitchen in 2020 to its current buzz-worthy status is a testament to ingredient-driven pizza that values quality over gimmicks. Fans describe the pies as rivals to cult favorites like Pequod’s and Burt’s Place, thanks to the signature caramelized crust rim and superb layering.
Pizza Pro Tip: To replicate Milly’s impact at home, bake deep dish in a cast‑iron or heavy steel pan, and use 00 flour blends for optimal chew and crust structure. Finish edges under a broiler to achieve that coveted caramelized ring.
🧂 For Suppliers: Scaling Taste with Turnkey Efficiency
Mally’s expansion offers a lens into supply evolution: doubling capacity means more dough, sauce, cheese, and toppings but scaled shell needs to maintain quality edge.
Suppliers can capitalize on:
- Pre-measured dough packets for consistency at scale.
- Bulk creamy cheese blends and mozzarella tailored to deep-dish layering.
- Cut conveyor oven supplies designed for throughput in tight kitchens.
This is a prime example of how equipment upgrades (like conveyor ovens) open doors for ingredient innovation and logistics partnerships.
💼 For Shop Owners: Marketing, Media, and Oven Upgrades
Milly’s move is more than relocation it’s a study in scaling strategic efficiency and building hype:
- Experience Over Capacity: Despite fewer seats, the powerful oven and increased throughput make up for it. Shops with limited front-of-house can still excel through exceptional takeout and delivery.
- Invest in Oven Tech: Conveyor-style ovens like the Middleby Marshall deliver consistent, crisp results. Consider upgrading to high-performance commercial ovens to match quality at volume.
- Leverage Local Buzz: Document the move, unveiling videos, and community posts. Have on-site photography packages, produce short B‑roll clips of sizzling pies, and engage patrons with behind-the-scenes streams.
- Tourist-Friendly Positioning: Noble Square sits between tourist areas and neighborhoods a sweet spot for walk-up business. Placing signage and delivering excellence can turn passerby pie purchases into repeat customers.
🌆 The Wider Slice: Deep Dish vs Tavern‑style Dynamics
Chicago pizza isn’t one-note: locals often favor the lighter tavern-style pizza, cut into small squares and baked crisp, memory-laden slices that predate deep dish. Yet Milly’s retains loyalty by doubling down on deep dish done right educating through excellence.
Experts credit its oven innovation as a breakthrough: conveyor bake technology gives that crisp bottom and caramelized crust edge that cassette ovens struggle to match .
🛒 Gear Picks & Affiliate Integrations
| Product | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Cast‑iron Deep Dish Pan & Oven Kit | Build caramelized crust like Milly’s (affiliate link) |
| 00 Flour Blends & Pizza Dough Mix Kit | Layer flavor and texture bite‑by‑bite (affiliate link) |
| Commercial Conveyor‑style Pizza Oven | Scale takeout volumes with consistency (affiliate link) |
| Food Photography Kit | Capture crispy crust corners and social-worthy slices (affiliate link) |
| POS System with Online Ordering Tools | Manage orders, track rush hours, facilitate delivery (affiliate link) |
🎯 Final Slice: Lessons from Milly’s Bold Move
Milly’s Pizza in the Pan shows the industry how to scale smart: keep quality at the forefront, let oven upgrades elevate the product, and balance limited seating with high-capacity production. Whether you’re baking at home, supplying ingredients, or serving pies in a tiny storefront, the focus on consistency, community, and quality remains timeless.
Enthusiasts can use this as inspiration for home-style hospitality. Suppliers should watch for deep-dish demand growth with scalable ingredient offers. And shop owners especially those eyeing takeout-dominant operations can learn from Milly’s strategic reboot.
Looking for crispier deep dish? Keep your eye on Noble Square this July and taste the next level in Chicago pizza.
Affiliate Disclosure:This article contains affiliate links, and Pizza Magazine may earn a commission from purchases made through them.
