Lou Malnati’s

Lou Malnati’s is a family-owned pizzeria group known for its Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, with roots tracing back to its first restaurant in Lincolnwood, Illinois in 1971. The company was founded by Lou and Jean Malnati, who built their business on a commitment to quality ingredients and family recipes. Over the years, Lou Malnati’s has grown from a single neighborhood spot into a regional brand with a strong reputation for consistency and local connection.

As of November 2025, Lou Malnati’s operates 71 company-owned locations. Its primary presence remains in the Chicago metropolitan area, but the brand has steadily expanded into the Phoenix, Milwaukee, and Indianapolis markets. In the past five years, Lou Malnati’s has accelerated its growth, opening new stores in Arizona and Indiana while actively evaluating additional sites in both urban and suburban trade areas. The company continues to invest in both full-service restaurants and carryout/delivery formats, adapting to changing consumer preferences and broadening its reach.

Lou Malnati’s remains under family leadership, with Marc Malnati, Lou’s son, serving as chairman and guiding the company’s expansion while maintaining its original values. The brand is recognized for its operational expertise, strong customer following, and active community involvement, particularly through its philanthropic work in Chicago. All locations are company-operated, and the company does not franchise, which has helped preserve its standards and brand integrity as it grows. The combination of a loyal customer base, a flexible approach to store formats, and a disciplined expansion strategy has made Lou Malnati’s a prominent and credible tenant in both established neighborhoods and high-growth suburban markets.