After 65 years of thin crust tradition, Aurelio’s Pizza is getting deep.
The Chicago-area chain known for its tavern-style pies will introduce a deep dish pizza for the first time on Saturday, aligning the launch with National Deep Dish Pizza Day. The rollout marks a notable expansion for the franchise, which built its reputation on sweet sauce, square slices and crispy, thin crusts.
Though new to deep dish, it’s not the first time Aurelio’s has responded to pizza trends. In the 1990s, the chain introduced a stuffed pizza following customer demand. The new deep dish offering, however, is a distinct addition: a pie made with thicker crust, salty cheese and topped with Aurelio’s house-made marinara sauce.
In recent weeks, the company hinted at the launch on social media, sharing cryptic messages including, “Something’s coming… we just can’t tell you what it is.”
That didn’t stop the speculation. On Facebook, Aurelio’s follower fan Vince Cercone wrote, “Several locations have already been promoting a new deep dish. They may have ruined your surprise!🤣”
At the Palos Heights location Tuesday, employees were offered a first taste of the new deep dish — thick, crispy crust and salty mozzarella topped with Aurelio’s house marinara.
Founded in 1959 by the late Joe Aurelio in Homewood, Illinois, Aurelio’s grew from four-table pizzeria into a regional institution with dozens of locations. T
he brand’s signature thin crust, cut into squares and finished with a slightly sweet sauce, has earned generations of loyal fans.
Aurelio’s deep dish will be available at participating locations beginning Saturday.