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Legendary Chicago pizzeria honors 50+ year Wisconsin dairy partnership with social media
cheese pull challenge

CHICAGO – (September 5, 2025) – Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, considered the oldest family name in Chicago pizza, is honoring National Cheese Pizza Day with a social media cheese pull challenge powered by Proudly Wisconsin Cheese. The campaign highlights Wisconsin’s world-class dairy tradition and Lou Malnati’s long-standing commitment to authentic mozzarella made with Wisconsin milk.

This National Cheese Pizza Day isn’t just about eating pizza, it’s about honoring Wisconsin dairy farmers, whose high-quality milk becomes the Wisconsin Cheese in every epic Lou Malnati’s cheese pull.

To showcase that superior quality in action, the social media Cheese Pull Challenge invites customers to order their favorite pizza from any Lou Malnati’s location for dine-in, pickup or delivery, then showcase their cheese pull skills by tagging @loumalnatis and using #LMCheesePullChallenge on Facebook or Instagram. The contest runs September 5-10, 2025, and the winner will receive free cheese pizza for an entire year.

Since 1971, the Chicago-born company has built its reputation on deep dish pizza while staying true to the original Chicago-style pizza recipe. Its legendary flavor starts with Proudly Wisconsin Cheese, crafted from the milk of Wisconsin dairy farmers to deliver the premium mozzarella that defines its family recipe.

“National Cheese Pizza Day gives us the perfect opportunity to celebrate our partnership with Wisconsin dairy farmers,” said Marc Malnati, owner of Lou Malnati’s. “While others celebrate with any pizza, we’re highlighting the specific Wisconsin cheese that makes our Chicago deep dish distinctive. That unique flavor and texture creates the perfect melt and those memorable stretches our customers love.”

Wisconsin has spent more than 180 years perfecting the art of cheesemaking. With 90% of the state’s renowned quality milk dedicated to cheese and more than 1,200 expert makers—many third-and-fourth generation—who carry forward a legacy of craftsmanship recognized around the world.

Can your cheese pull achieve the gold standard? Compare your results with Lou Malnati’s cheese pull on Instagram (@loumalnatis) serving as the ultimate stretch. Whether you’re dining in or trying the challenge at home, Lou Malnati’s commitment to premium Wisconsin mozzarella creates results other pizzas simply can’t achieve.

Fan-favorite Recipes Made Easy, Signature Pizzas Available at all Lou Malnati’s
Locations Beginning June 26

CHICAGO — (June 26, 2025) — Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, known for its legendary Chicago-style deep dish pizza, is officially launching its Signature Pizza Menu on June 26, featuring a lineup of curated guest favorites — including the debut of the brand-new Margherita Pesto Pizza.

Founded in Chicago in 1971, Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria is considered the oldest—and most iconic—family name in authentic Chicago-style deep dish pizza. The new Signature Pizza Menu celebrates Lou Malnati’s rich history and flavor, featuring its most popular pizza recipes served over the past 50 years. Headlining the new signature menu’s debut on June 26 is the Margherita Pesto Pizza. This vibrant, vegetarian-friendly pizza features melty Wisconsin mozzarella cheese and vine-ripened tomatoes topped with fresh mozzarella slices and generous dollops of artisan nut-free basil pesto sauce that is made fresh, in-house daily.

In addition to the Margherita Pesto Pizza, the Signature Menu will feature four of Lou Malnati’s most popular and best-selling pizzas since opening its first location in 1971, specifically curated by Lou Malnati’s culinary team. Crafted to deliver the signature Lou Malnati’s experience, the Signature Menu includes:

● Malnati Chicago Classic: Lou’s most legendary recipe, this is the ultimate authentic Chicago pizza and a staple at Lou’s. Available in deep dish only featuring the family’s secret Buttercrust™ recipe, this pizza is topped with Lou’s proprietary sausage blend, extra mozzarella cheese for the quintessential cheese pull, and vine-ripened tomato sauce.
● The Lou: This Malnati family favorite is made with spinach, mushrooms, and sliced Roma tomatoes, covered with three cheeses and served on garlic Buttercrust™.
● Veggie: This vegetarian-friendly classic recipe is built with mozzarella cheese, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, and topped with Lou’s famous chef-crafted vine-ripened tomato sauce.
● Mike’s Hot Honey: Once a limited-time-only offering, it has earned its permanent place on Lou Malnati’s Signature Menu. Made with Lou’s proprietary sausage blend, hot giardiniera, cupped
pepperoni and a drizzle of Mike’s Hot Honey, this is a Chicago take on America’s favorite pizza condiment.

Each Signature Pizza delivers on Lou’s promise of fresh ingredients, handcrafted quality and great flavor — all while offering a simple way to experience Lou Malnati’s most iconic recipe combinations. Signature Pizzas are available on Lou Malnati’s legendary deep dish crust, thin crust, gluten-free crust, and a “crustless” option, as well.

“Lou Malnati’s Pizzerias have stayed true to the original Chicago-style deep dish pizza recipe that Lou Malnati helped create in 1943 at Chicago’s first deep dish pizzeria; We continue to build on our family’s legacy with the new Signature Menu,” said Marc Malnati, owner of Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria. “We use only the freshest and finest ingredients available and our commitment to quality and consistency is what has set us apart for more than 50 years– including our family’s secret recipe for flaky, buttery crust that has been passed down for generations. This new menu celebrates our past, present and future–and gives guests the best of Lou’s.”

The Signature Menu and the brand-new Margherita Pesto Pizza will be available at all Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria locations starting June 26, 2025. To celebrate the new Signature Menu, Lou Malnati’s is offering an exclusive deal for Lou’s Rewards loyalty members: each signature pizza is only $19.71 for a limited time. Lou’s Rewards is free to join; sign up online at www.loumalnatis.com/signature-pizzas.

For more information about Lou Malnati’s and its new menus, please visit www.loumalnatis.com.

The winners of our “Will Lou Marry Me?” contest shared their special moment together at our West Loop restaurant

Louve is in the air this month! To celebrate, we launched our ‘Will Lou Marry Me’ contest on social media in search of one lucky couple who wanted to cement Lou’s as a part of their love story. This included the proposal in the restaurant, including candles, rose petals, and a heart-shaped pizza, as well as an engagement party with their loved ones and late-night bites on their wedding day.

We received hundreds of heartfelt entries, all of which explained the significant place Lou Malnati’s holds in their relationship and love story. One, however, stood out above the rest: Mitch Rozwat. Two weeks after being told he had been selected, Mitch took his girlfriend Lisa out for dinner at their favorite pizza spot. Completely unaware of what was to come, Lisa entered a room filled with candles, rose petals, a camera crew, and of course that heart-shaped pizza. Mitch got down on one knee and asked Lisa to marry him, to which she said “Yes!”. She may have thought the surprises were over with at that point, but little did she know that there was an engagement party waiting for her upstairs. A room full of friends and family ready to celebrate an unforgettable moment for Mitch and Lisa.

This magical evening proved once again that love and pizza truly go hand in hand. You can visit our Instagram to check out the full video of the engagement as it unfolded in the store. Also be sure to read below why Mitch and Lisa’s story stood out amongst the rest and made them the perfect couple to Dish Out Some Love to:

“I’ll never forget that fateful evening at Lou Malnati’s. My buddy had invited me to join him for dinner, along with a few friends. As we waited for everyone to arrive, I noticed a girl walking towards us, smiling at the group. She had this radiant energy about her.

As we introduced ourselves, I learned her name was Lisa. We started chatting, and I was surprised to discover we had something in common – we’re both one of six kids in our families! It was crazy to think that we shared that experience, and it sparked a fun conversation about our childhoods.

But what really got us going was our shared love of food. We geeked out over our favorite dishes, restaurants, and cooking techniques. I was impressed by her passion for trying new foods and her encyclopedic knowledge of Chicago’s culinary scene. And, of course, we bonded over our love of loud, boisterous meals with family and friends.

As we dug into Lou’s famous deep-dish pizza, the Chicago Classic of course, I declared it the best pizza ever. Lisa agreed, and we savored every bite of the flaky crust, tangy tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese.

As the night went on, I realized that I had found my own Chicago Classic – Lisa. Just like Lou’s pizza, she’s a timeless treasure, a true gem that makes my life richer and more flavorful.

Looking back, that chance encounter at Lou Malnati’s was the start of something special. I’m grateful for that night, for Lou’s, for my friends, and for the opportunity to meet the love of my life – my Chicago Classic, Lisa.”

LOU MALNATI’S IS DISHING OUT SOME LOVE FOR VALENTINE’S DAY WITH HEART-SHAPED DEEP DISH PIZZAS FOR FEBRUARY 

Celebrate with friends, family or loved ones all month long with Lou Malnati’s heart-shaped pizzas and support Feeding America® local food banks to spread the love in February

CHICAGO, January 17, 2025 – It’s time to dish out some love, and Lou Malnati’s – known for its legendary deep dish pizza and a beloved Chicago brand – is serving heart-shaped pizzas for the month of February at all locations in Chicago, Indianapolis, Milwaukee and Phoenix. Lou’s fans can also ship these unique Chicago-style heart shaped pizzas and other sweet eats from the Windy City nationwide via Tastes of Chicago. Whether guests are looking for something special to enjoy with their loved ones at home or at a Lou’s restaurant or want to send some love to friends and family across the country, Lou Malnati’s’ provides a way for all to give a pizza of their heart and give back.  

“We believe in dishing out the love and Valentine’s Day is a perfect time to gather together with friends and family to share Lou Malnati’s heart-shaped pizzas” said Marc Malnati, owner of Lou Malnati’s.  It’s our second year doing this campaign and we’re excited to partner with the local food banks.  We raised over $35k in the past and look forward to increasing that donation this year.  As many loyal fans know the best way to a foodie’s heart is through their stomach and nothing says I love you more than our legendary deep dish.  To help dish out some love this month we will donate $1 for every heart-shaped pizza ordered from one of our restaurants to support Feeding America® local food banks in our markets.  In addition, we’ll donate a pizza to a local Chicago-area food pantry with every purchase of a Spreading Hearts package through Tastes of Chicago.”  

For the month of February to celebrate Valentine’s Day, Lou Malnati’s is offering its 9-inch heart-shaped deep dish pizzas in cheese, sausage or pepperoni – along with other sweet specialties and activations, including:  

• Dish Out Some Love: Lou Malnati’s Legendary Heart-Shaped Deep Dish Pizzas, Gift Cards and Valentine’s Day Eats & Treats have got you covered! Check out the Louve mobile and see if you can find it spreading the love all month long in Chicago!      

• Pizza Proposal – Fall in Love with Lou’s: Lou’s wants to make your proposal unforgettable!  We’re searching for one lucky person to help Dish Out the Love and create the proposal of your dreams. To be considered, enter at www.loumalnatis.com/proposal with, your love story, and why you want Lou’s to be part of your big day. One winner will be selected on Tuesday Jan 28th to receive an epic engagement package, including a professional photographer, an engagement party hosted at Lou’s, and late-night bites for your future wedding! Additionally, three runner-up winners will receive late-night bites for their wedding celebrations. It’s the ultimate proposal and love story!  

• Lou Malnati’s Gift Cards: Gift Lou’s to Your Love – From your sweetie to your pals, gift them with Lou’s virtual gift cards and spread the deep dish love all month long.     

• Lou Malnati’s Heart-Shaped Deep Dish Pizzas: Lou Malnati’s is teaming up with Feeding America® local food banks, to donate $1 for every heart-shaped pizza ordered from one of the locations from February 1 – February 28, 2025. The $1 donation will help provide 10 meals to neighbors in need.  It’s a special way to share a slice with your sweetheart at one of the restaurants or in the comfort of your own home and give back.  For guests looking to avoid the Valentine’s Day rush, half-baked or frozen heart-shaped deep dish pizzas can be picked up from each location to take and bake at home.    

•  Tastes of Chicago – Spreading Hearts: Spread the love with this special Spreading Hearts package and share a gift of love in more ways than one.  The package includes one heart-shaped Lou Malnati’s deep dish pizza, one heart-shaped chocolate chip cookie and two tiny pewter hearts, so your recipient can keep one and share one. Lou Malnati’s will donate a pizza to a local Chicago-area food pantry with every purchase.  Please visit https://www.spreadinghearts.org/ for more information.    

• Tastes of Chicago – Heart-Shaped Cakes, Cookies & Valentine’s Day Popcorn: Fan favorites will be available for shipping Valentine’s Day gifts nationwide – with love from Chicago.  From savory to sweet, delicious hometown favorites and iconic eats including Lou’s heart-shaped pizzas and cookies, Garrett Popcorn Petite Pink Tins, Eli’s Heart-Shaped Cheesecakes and Portillo’s Heart-Shaped Chocolate Cakes are the perfect gift to be shared with those you love nationwide and can be shipped directly to their door through Tastes of Chicago.  Lou Malnati’s assortment of Chicago-style pizzas are available in combination packs that can be mixed and matched to satisfy everyone’s cravings.   

LEGENDARY PIZZERIA’S NEW CARRYOUT AND DELIVERY BUNDLES PROVIDE VALUE AND CONVENIENCE TO FEED A CREW UP TO 6 FOR JUST UNDER $10 A PERSON FOR PICNICS, TAILGATES AND EASY SUMMER NEEDS

CHICAGO – June 20, 2024 – The summer solstice is finally here and Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria is kicking off a convenient and value-driven menu offering an easy way for fans to fuel their summer fun. A family-owned company known for bringing people together around the table over its legendary deep dish pizza, Lou Malnati’s will offer special Malnati Meal Deals at all Chicagoland locations starting June 20, 2024. The new pizza bundles include mix-and-match meal deals that are designed to serve up to four to six guests for less than $10 per person and priced starting at $39.95.

As summer gets underway and families are looking for affordable dining options, the bundles provide an easy meal ideal for concerts, picnics, tailgates, or fun family dinners that don’t require cooking in the kitchen.  Bring the crew together for a meal deal and pizza party perfect for game nights, movie nights and watch parties to enjoy with friends and family at home.

Malnati Meal Deals come in two options and includes the following:

One Pizza Malnati Meal Deal

(starting at $39.95)

Feeds four to five people. Comes with choice of one large deep dish cheese pizza or extra large thin crust cheese pizza; one appetizer (family house salad, family Caesar salad, medium traditional or boneless wings); four chocolate chip Carol’s Cookies.

Two Pizza Malnati Meal Deal

(starting at $54.95)

Feeds six to seven people. Comes with choice of two pizzas: two medium deep dish cheese pizzas or two large thin crust cheese pizzas, or one medium deep dish cheese pizza and one large thin crust cheese pizza; one appetizer (family house salad, family Caesar salad, medium traditional or boneless wings); four chocolate chip Carol’s Cookies.

Malnati Meal Deal bundles start at just under $10 per person and are available to order online or via the Lou Malnati’s app for carryout and delivery only. A four-pack of drinks can be added to either meal deal option for just $5.

“Our guests love spending quality time together at home enjoying their friends and families during the summer months and we wanted to give them a convenient way to do that while offering great value,” said Marc Malnati, owner of Lou Malnati’s. “Our new Malnati Meal Deals not only feed a hungry crew but offer the opportunity to enjoy our handmade from scratch pizza with some of our most beloved menu items for carryout or delivery at home.”

Malnati Meal Deals will be offered daily and available at all Chicago area locations for carryout and delivery options.  The bundles can be ordered online or via the Lou Malnati’s app starting June 20, 2024. For hours and location information, please visit www.loumalnatis.com.

End the most memorable night of your life by enjoying Lou Malnati’s Pizza with your loved one and guests!

It’s officially Wedding Season in Chicago! 

This means it’s time to party… and what better way to end any party than with pizza? After a night filled with love and dancing, give your guests one more thing to celebrate by treating them to the best pizza in Chicago!

All it takes is a simple call to our catering department, and we will take it from there. Let us be one of the most stress-free aspects of planning your big day! Our late-night delivery can feed crowds of any size and ensure that no one is going home hungry. It’s recommended that parties order our small deep dish pizzas, cut into eight slices. This makes it easier to grab a bite and get back to dancing!

Take a look at this flyer for more information and be sure to follow the link to our catering page!

We will see you on your big day! As they say, the key to starting a successful marriage is deep dish pizza.