By Kristin Boza
One of the neighborhood’s favorite deep dish pizza places is back! Pizzeria Deepo,1742 W. 99th St., was recently reopened by former staff member Karlie Hernandez.
Hernandez, a Beverly/Morgan Park resident and graduate of St. Barnabas School and Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School, began waitressing for Pizzeria Deepo in 2013, figuring it would be a great place to work throughout high school. After leaving for college, she always came back for a few shifts during the summer and school holidays, until she transferred to UIC and began working more regular hours.
During Hernandez’s last semester of college, former owner Jeanette Dixon told her she planned to sell the restaurant. “I always had a great relationship with Jeanette; she’s so kind and generous and always made Deepo a fun place for all of us to work,” Hernandez said. “As I got older and wanted to take on more responsibilities, she was happy and eager to show me what it takes to run the place.”
When Hernandez heard the news about the upcoming sale, purchasing the restaurant was in the back of her mind. “It took a lot of time and thought to make this decision, but ultimately, it was an opportunity that came at the perfect time and I just couldn’t pass it up,” she said. “Jeanette built a great local deep dish pizza place that the neighborhood loves. I felt confident taking over, especially with the trust that the neighborhood would be back to support a local business and have their favorite deep dish back.” Customers are also thrilled that the reopening came in time for dining on the outdoor dining patio!
Patrons will be happy to know the original pizza dough recipe, made fresh daily, is back. The restaurant remains a BYOB, but there is a $2/head charge, which will support the minimum wage increase this summer. “We provide glasses, openers, buckets and ice to service your choice of alcoholic drink,” Hernandez said.
The good news continues! “We also offer a vegan pizza served without cheese at 25% off the regular price,” Hernandez said. “The crust contains no eggs and you can add your choice of fresh veggie toppings.” Other new menu items include caprese salad, Caesar salad, Italian beef and Italian sausage sandwiches, and a deep dish cookie dessert topped with ice cream.
Pizzeria Deepo is closed Sundays and Mondays, and open for private parties and events. “We have hosted birthday parties, communions, graduations, wedding showers, baby showers, retirement parties, and more. I look forward to hosting these parties for the people in the community and creating good times and good memories,” Hernandez said.
Call 773-840-3087. Hours: Tues. through Sat., 4 to 10 p.m.
