Old Chicago

Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom is a casual restaurant chain known for its pizza, craft beer, and classic American menu. The company was founded in 1976 in Boulder, Colorado, and quickly became recognized for combining a taproom experience with a variety of deep-dish and thin-crust pizzas. Over the decades, Old Chicago built a reputation for its neighborhood feel and its World Beer Tour loyalty program, which helped foster a loyal customer base.

A significant milestone in the company’s history occurred in June 2020, when SPB Hospitality acquired Old Chicago following the bankruptcy of its previous parent, CraftWorks Restaurants & Breweries. This transition marked a renewed focus on revitalizing the brand and expanding its reach in core markets.

As of November 2025, Old Chicago operates approximately 80 restaurants, with locations stretching from Colorado and Texas to Tennessee and Florida. The brand continues to grow through both company-owned and franchised units, targeting high-traffic retail centers and mixed-use developments in suburban and secondary urban markets. Expansion efforts are concentrated in the Midwest, South, and Rocky Mountain regions, with a flexible approach to restaurant formats that allows Old Chicago to adapt to a variety of real estate opportunities.

In the past five years, Old Chicago has shifted its strategy to prioritize selective market entry and the revitalization of existing locations, strengthening its position as a reliable anchor or co-tenant in retail and mixed-use projects. The company’s established brand, operational scale, and adaptable footprint make it a credible choice for landlords, brokers, and developers seeking proven restaurant partners.