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On May 5, 1986, 30 years ago today, we opened our 6th pizzeria in Chicago’s River North neighborhood at 439 North Wells Street. This was an exciting accomplishment on its own, but it was even more exciting because this was the first Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria within the Chicago city limits.

Looking at this bustling pizzeria today, you would never know the Malnati family almost had to close the doors just a few months after its opening. A CTA construction project shut down Wells Street and business took a big hit. Fortunately, they persevered, and today, River North Lou’s is one of our busiest restaurants!

If you’re in the neighborhood tonight…

Our “Balloon Platoon” is setting up shop from 5-7pm at River North Lou’s. Place an order for dine-in or carryout (minimum $10 purchase required) and win a prize! Everyone is a winner, with great prizes including t-shirts, hats, free appetizers, free desserts, and more, but one lucky customer will win a $100 gift card!

Stop by and try your luck!

We had tons of fun yesterday on National Deep Dish Pizza Day at our Gold Coast pizzeria with Mason, Remy, and Alabama from Chicago’s Big 95.5!

Check out the video, courtesy of the Big 95.5 team, for a recap of the day’s activities. It sure was a deliciously good time!

April 5th is National Deep Dish Pizza Day!

How are we celebrating? Join our Lou’s crew, along with Mason, Remy, and Alabama from the Big 95.5 morning show at Lou Malnati’s Gold Coast between 12-2pm! We’ll have FREE deep dish pizza (of course), some great tunes, and…

Have you ever heard of pizza box Jenga?

You probably haven’t because we definitely just made it up, but there will be prizes. Lots of prizes.

Get ready to play on April 5th between 12-2pm at Lou Malnati’s Gold Coast! And come hungry!

On March 17th, 1971, Lou Malnati and his wife Jean opened the first Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria in Lincolnwood. Today, 45 years later, we’re celebrating the great history of our restaurant!

In honor of our anniversary, we’ve compiled a complete history of Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria by decade, from opening day 45 years ago, all the way to present day! You may think you know all there is to know about us, but we’ve included quite a few new tidbits. Here’s a sample of what you’ll find:

• 1970s – bet you didn’t know a car crashed through the wall of the main dining room on opening day… Read more ›
• 1980s – The Taste of Chicago started in 1980, and we’ve been a part of it since the very start! Read more ›
• 1990s – We have a long history of giving back to our community, and we opened a pizzeria in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood in 1995 with just that goal. Read more ›
• 2000s – Ever heard of “Pizzas4Patriots”? In 2009, our Tastes of Chicago division donated thousands of deep dish pizzas to the cause. Read more ›
• Present Day – you might already know this one, but… Lou Malnati’s is headed to Arizona! Read more ›

Have we piqued your interest? Check out the full history of Lou’s here.

Ring in the New Year with the whole family at Lou Malnati’s!

Enjoy the excitement of the holiday at your local participating Lou’s with our famous deep dish pizza, family-friendly entertainment, and good company, all without delaying bed times. Continue Reading ›

For the past five years, employees, friends, and families from Lou Malnati’s and Soul City Church have gathered to assemble Thanksgiving food baskets for local families in need. It’s an event for the whole family with all hands on deck, where the kids create hand-drawn cards to include in the baskets, and children and adults work together in an assembly line to fill the baskets.

Check out our video from last year’s event to see what it’s all about!

This year, we’re continuing this Thanksgiving tradition, and our hope is to fill 1,500 food baskets!

Baskets will be distributed to families in need through Breakthrough Urban Ministries, Lawndale Community Church, River City Community Church, and By the Hand Club for Kids.

How can you lend a helping hand?

Mention the Thanksgiving Food Basket Drive when placing your order now through November 20th, and Lou Malnati’s will donate $2 to the Thanksgiving Basket Fund.*

*May not be combined with any other promotions/discounts, including orders for Giveback Fundraisers. Email or blog must be mentioned or shown at time of purchase. Lou Malnati’s will donate $2 from every order now through November 20, 2015 up to $30,000.

Please contact us, or leave a comment with any questions about our Thanksgiving Food Basket Drive!