Tomorrow, for one hour between 8:30 and 9:30 pm, the World Wildlife Fund is asking everyone around the world to turn off their lights to make a global statement about our concern for climate change.  This is the third annual “Earth Hour” which started in Sydney, Australia in an effort to raise awareness about climate change and show commitment to finding solutions to this escalating crisis.

Lou Malnati’s is also working toward a way to reduce our carbon footprint.  We are starting to recycle waste in our stores, reduce energy, and research the use of more green products.  Watch for future updates on our progress.

Join the movement by turning off (or dimming) your lights tomorrow.   

Lou Malnati’s opens the doors Thursday, March 26, 2009 to its 30th pizzeria.  Located in the southwest suburb of Tinley Park, this pizzeria offers carry out and delivery service of Lou Malnati's famous Chicago-style deep-dish pizza and many other popular menu items.  The new store is located in the Park Hill Towne Center at 171st and LaGrange roads in Tinley Park, Illinois.  To order Lou Malnati's world-renowned gourmet pizza, call the new location at 708-403-9700. 

The carry out hours for the Tinley Park location are:  Monday through Thursday from 4 pm to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm and Sundays from 11 am to 9 pm.  Please call the store for delivery hours and specific delivery zone details.

We hope to see you there soon!

In today’s economy, less is more.  At Lou’s, we strive to finds ways to save money without impacting service or quality, and personally, many of us are finding ways to cut back on the things that aren’t vital.  But, as you think about ways to save, what are 10 things you can’t live without?

There are lists out there of things people can’t live without.  It was very interesting to search this, as it ranged from personal (family, friends, laughter) to gadgets (I-phone, I-pod, computer/tech) to possessions (car, washer/dryer, house).  Stop and think about it; what would make your list?

Somewhere on my top 10 would be Lou’s Pizza (deep dish spinach, sausage, mushroom to be exact)…….

On St. Patrick’s Day there is a little bit of Irish in everyone, even Lou Malnati.  Tomorrow, Tuesday, March 17, 2009, marks the 38th Anniversary of Lou Malnati’s.  Since we first opened in Lincolnwood 38 years ago, Lou Malnati’s pizzerias have expanded to include 11 restaurants and 18 carryout/delivery locations (with number 19 opening at the end of the month in Tinley Park).

Lou was known for his fun-loving character as well as making Chicagoland's best pizza. He always thought it was funny that an Italian should open a pizzeria in a Jewish neighborhood on an Irish holiday. But that was Lou's style; he loved all types of people and didn't care much about what people thought.

Now, 38 years later, we still like to celebrate our anniversary with an Irish twist.  Stop by our Lincolnwood location (6649 N. Lincoln Ave.) and celebrate with a lunch special of corned beef and cabbage, or join us for cake and corned beef at dinner (dine in only).

When thoughts and ideas thrash around in your head with an unrelenting pursuit of release, do you feel that the seconds loudly tick by, the minutes crawl along, and the hours limp around as you struggle with what steps to take next?  This mental torture says so much about whom you are and who you want to be, but do you ever give these ideas the momentum they deserve?

They are your random thoughts and ideas, and your opportunity to grow.  Do you horde them to yourself because you fear that someone may criticize them, yet laugh at others who dare to expose themselves and their ideas?  Do you selectively toss one out in a completely scripted and purposeful manner, planning the whole scenario so it results in accolades?  Or do you take a risk and make yourself vulnerable by sharing? 

It seems that satisfaction and fulfillment come from being brave and putting your ideas and your thoughts totally out there for others to completely see you and know you.  With the release of ideas, you are set free and you can grasp the time you have with both hands as you watch your ideas take shape.  You can enjoy the ride because time no longer stands still.  You are becoming the best you can be.

In the Lou Malnati’s mission statement, we commit to giving you the highest quality food and service, served in a unique environment and produced by a management team and staff committed to one another, our customer and our community.  Much of our success comes from this loyal team of employees.  Lou Malnati’s is proud of our people, and our commitment to each other is proven by the fact that 25% of our full-time staff has given 10 or more years of service.

Today we would like to give a shout out to the employees who have just celebrated 20 years of service with us:  Linda Mathews, Colleen Janesku, Chrisy Keenan, Victor Novoa, Miguel Berumen, Tony Herrera and Enrique Renteria.  In addition, 16 employees celebrated their 10 year anniversary with Lou’s.  Congratulations team, and thank you for your dedication.  We look forward to many more years of hard work, fun, and success working side by side with you.

When grapes are harvested they are at their perfect ripeness for the wine they are creating. When tasted it is the palette of a connoisseur that determines its greatness, and it is more than just a science that develops the perfect blend for the perfect glass of wine, it is an art.

When Malnati’s develops a manager it is much the same process.  A great deal of care goes into choosing the right person to blend with an already aged team.  A lot of time and pride goes into producing what we like to call our “DNA”. Only the best make it through.

When “picked” to be a part of our team it is like being given the opportunity to be greater than you thought you could be.  Around every corner there’s someone else cheering you on and pushing you to be the best – better than you thought you ever could be.   You take pride in being part of that great blend; not just because someone’s telling you can be great, but because you believe you can make a difference.

The memories of childhood, unique experiences associated with food, and family traditions; this is essence of “comfort foods.”   Isn’t Lou Malnati’s just that – the comfort food you go to for emotional satisfaction?  We love to hear our customers’ stories of how Lou’s creates and triggers positive memories, and feel free to share them here.

Times are tough – eat more pizza!  Comfort foods supply a welcome respite from the stresses of life, and we are here for you.  Whether it is work, the economy, or a void in your personal life, Lou’s pizza provides you with a fullness and satisfaction that goes beyond your basic sustenance needs, and keeps you content long after it is consumed.  We know comfort foods are personal, and we welcome the connection you make to us and our Lou Malnati’s extended family.

To make it easier for you to eat more pizza, we are offering a Family Meal Deal.  Dine in at any of our 11 restaurants Monday through Wednesday from now until March 31, 2009 and indulge in a family house salad (or any appetizer), a large deep dish cheese pizza with one topping, a pitcher of pop, and a large chocolate chip cookie pizza for just $29.95.  Come on out and let Lou’s family comfort your family.

This weekend, a celebration was held in Myrtle Beach, SC as the inaugural direct flight of Spirit airlines started from O’Hare to that great golf destination.  As part of that celebration, Spirit airlines wanted an icon of Chicago to be on hand.  They chose Lou Malnati’s pizza.

Three Lou Malnati’s deep dish pizzas were hand delivered to the Mayor of Myrtle Beach and other city and county representatives.  They had never seen authentic Chicago-style pizza before, and they couldn’t wait to taste of slice of Chicago.  They all agreed that with the direct flight making for an easy and convenient trip to and from the windy city, they will soon be coming to Lou’s for some fresh, hot out of the oven famous pizza.

We are proud to be selected to represent Chicago; we didn’t let our city down.