Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, based in Northbrook, Illinois, known for its legendary deep dish in Chicago, announced that its celebrating its 50th Anniversary this week on Wednesday, March 17. While many things have changed since 1971, Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria has remained the same and stayed true to its quality, hospitality and deep dish pizza recipe that have made them a favorite nationwide. Lou Malnati and his wife Jean, opened their first deep dish pizzeria in Lincolnwood, a northern suburb of Chicago, on March 17, 1971. From that restaurant, a recipe for success was born and the legacy continues through Lou’s sons, Marc and Rick Malnati.
With a focus on providing great customer service and serving quality food and hospitality, Lou Malnati’s has become one of Chicago’s most iconic brands. Throughout the years, Malnati’s has created a special culture which focuses on relationships. With over 3,500 employees in four markets – Chicago, Indianapolis, Milwaukee and Phoenix, the company continues to grow and plans to expand in new markets. In addition, Lou Malnati’s was recognized as one of the Chicago Tribune’s Top 100 Places to Work for the 11th year in a row and also voted as a National Top Workplace.
“As I look back on our first 50 years, my brother and I are grateful to have had a mother and father that taught us that anyone can be successful if they’re willing to persevere, and strive for excellence in all that they do. Building Malnati’s has been an incredible team effort, and our goal has always been to bring people in that are willing to do the relational work necessary to create more than just another company, but to actually create a community,” says owner, Marc Malnati.
To kick-off the milestone celebration, Lou Malnati’s is planning a golden year of exciting 50th Anniversary special events, promotions and contests for customers and employees including:
Special menu offers during March and April:
- Select items will be 50% off on certain days including Tiramisu, Malnati Dressing, Chocolate Chip Cookies and Italian Ice from March 22 – April 15.
- Large Deep Dish Specialty Pizzas, “The Lou” and “Malnati Chicago Classic”, will be offered for $19.71 each from March 17 – 21.
- Customer contests through social media to win prizes for submitting their stories with photos and videos, trivia contests and giveaways using hashtag #LousTurns50.
- Special events in all markets will be shared for upcoming months
- Employee engagement activities planned throughout the year
Please visit the 50th Anniversary website page at loumalnatis.com for a complete list and specific details on the planned activities. The website will be updated as events are added.
Malnati’s is looking forward to celebrating 50 years and feels fortunate to be embraced as Chicago’s favorite legendary deep dish. “We have a strong leadership team, led by our CEO Mike Archer, and we are a family business that loves to be an integral part of our customers’ family traditions. We’re working hard to create even more opportunities to celebrate together, as our biggest goal is to be around 50 years from now,” says Malnati.
While the Malnati family became famous for their original recipe, and top-notch quality and hospitality since opening in 1971, it will continue to carry on the family tradition and provide celebrations and memorable experiences for years to come.
