The Lou Malnati's Legacy

Lou Malnati's story begins with Lou Malnati Sr., a passionate pizza maker who believed that great pizza started with great ingredients and an unwavering commitment to quality. In 1971, Lou opened the first Lou Malnati's Pizzeria in Lincolnwood, Illinois, with a simple mission: to serve the best deep dish pizza in Chicago.

What started as a single neighborhood pizzeria has grown into a beloved Chicago institution, with over 65 locations across the Midwest. Yet despite our growth, we've never lost sight of Lou's original vision – to create an authentic Chicago deep dish pizza experience using only the finest ingredients and time-honored recipes.

Today, Lou Malnati's continues to be family-owned and operated, with Lou's sons Marc and Rick carrying forward the tradition of excellence that their father established more than 50 years ago. Every pizza we serve is a testament to Lou's legacy and our commitment to Chicago-style pizza perfection.

Our Mission & Values

Quality First

We use only the finest ingredients, from our signature flaky crust made with fresh California vine-ripened tomatoes to our exclusive sausage blend and Wisconsin mozzarella cheese.

Family Tradition

As a family-owned business, we treat every customer like family. Our commitment to hospitality and authentic Chicago flavors has been passed down through generations.

Excellence

We strive for excellence in everything we do, from the careful preparation of each pizza to providing exceptional service that keeps our customers coming back for more.

Community

We're proud to be part of the communities we serve, supporting local organizations and bringing people together through the shared love of great food.

Meet Our Leadership Team

Marc Malnati

Chief Executive Officer

Marc has led Lou Malnati's expansion throughout the Midwest while maintaining the quality and authenticity that his father established. Under his leadership, the company has grown to over 65 locations.

Rick Malnati

President & Operations

Rick oversees daily operations and ensures that every Lou Malnati's location maintains the high standards of quality and service that customers expect from the brand.

Sarah Chen

Head Chef & Recipe Developer

Sarah works closely with the Malnati family to preserve traditional recipes while developing new menu items that honor Lou's original vision for authentic Chicago-style pizza.

Michael Rodriguez

Director of Customer Experience

Michael ensures that every customer has an exceptional experience, from online ordering to dining in our restaurants. He leads our customer service and training initiatives.

Our Journey Through Time

1971

The Beginning

Lou Malnati Sr. opens the first Lou Malnati's Pizzeria in Lincolnwood, Illinois, introducing Chicago to his signature deep dish pizza recipe with a flaky, buttery crust.

1986

Family Legacy

Lou's sons Marc and Rick join the business, bringing fresh ideas while preserving their father's commitment to quality and authentic Chicago flavors.

1995

Expansion Begins

Lou Malnati's opens its 10th location and begins expanding throughout the Chicago area, bringing deep dish pizza to new communities across Illinois.

2005

National Recognition

Lou Malnati's gains national attention and begins shipping frozen pizzas nationwide, allowing pizza lovers across America to enjoy authentic Chicago deep dish at home.

2015

Midwest Growth

The company reaches 50 locations across Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, becoming one of the most recognized names in Chicago-style pizza.

2024

Today & Beyond

With over 65 locations and counting, Lou Malnati's continues to honor Lou's legacy while embracing innovation in online ordering, delivery, and customer service excellence.

Our Story