Pequod's Pizza: From Chicago Favorite to "The Bear" Star
Pequod's Pizza, a beloved Chicago institution known for its unique deep dish pies, has seen a surge in popularity thanks to its recent appearance on the critically acclaimed FX series "The Bear."
The restaurant, already a favorite among locals for its decades-long history, gained new fans after its signature dish was featured in the show's second season. The "Forks" episode saw a tasting menu chef elegantly re-plating a Pequod's pizza for discerning diners. The show's popularity, coupled with a short scene featuring the restaurant, brought a wave of new customers seeking out the deep dish experience.
"Business was just crazy, like droves and droves of people," said Sean Asbra, Pequod's general manager. "It took about two weeks before people started mentioning, 'we came here because of 'The Bear.'""
Asbra even noted that some of the show's cast members have become regular customers, highlighting the authenticity and quality of Pequod's pizza.
Pequod's signature caramelized cheese edge, a distinctive feature that sets it apart from other Chicago-style pizza makers, has long been a draw for both locals and tourists. Their deep dish pies are widely considered among the best in the city, frequently topping local food blog lists and appearing in news articles.
"It's a thicker pizza; it's going to be a bit on the breadier side," Asbra explained. "You come in. You eat. You're happy. You fill up, and then you waddle your way out because you're stuffed."
The restaurant's name, inspired by the whaling ship in "Moby Dick," is as unique as its pizza. The logo, featuring a cartoon sperm whale with women's underwear on its head, has become a symbol of the restaurant's playful personality.
"I'm sure it offends some people," Asbra admitted, "But it wasn't meant to be that way."
Despite its growing fame, Pequod's remains grounded. They don't need to advertise, as word of mouth and their nationwide shipping program bring in customers. The restaurant also operates a dedicated pick-up location called Whale Tale, next to their Lincoln Park restaurant, to handle the large demand.
Looking forward, Asbra expressed a simple goal: "The plan for us is to just do the same thing, whatever we can do to accommodate more people."
The restaurant's appearance on "The Bear" has solidified Pequod's place as a Chicago icon, attracting new fans who are eager to experience the unique flavors and personality of this beloved restaurant.
