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4-28-2026 3:27pm
Local Business Spotlight - Local Pizzaiolo Offers Artisan Chicago Thin Crust
Chris Clasen
Editor
Most people in these parts associate Chicago-style pizza with “deep dish,” characterized by its thick, buttery crust baked in a deep-dish pan, allowing for generous layers of cheese and chunky tomato sauce on top. But as this Chicagoan says, “that’s pretty much for tourists”.
Thin-crust pizza is widely regarded as more popular among Chicago locals compared to deep-dish pizza. Characterized by:
- Crispy Texture: Thin-crust pizza is known for its crispiness, a defining feature.
- Cut into Squares: It is typically served cut into small squares, making it easy to share and enjoy as a snack.
- Local Tradition: This style of pizza has deep roots in Chicago's dining culture, often served in taverns alongside drinks.
So, when Shoreline local and Chicago native Scott retired from woodworking, he pondered what would be his next chapter. He happens to have a friend who lets him use his commercial commissary after hours to make his pizzas, a cost that can be prohibitive to small food operations but a requirement to being “above board”.
Scott tells me he’s been making all types of pizza for over 35 years, but Chicago thin crust is his favorite. “Feels like home. My dough recipe is usually a 24-hour cold fermented [process], and I don’t skimp on the spices and herbs. That’s what makes Chicago-style crust stand out”.
Getting my first taste of this anomaly in a world of artisan wood-fired pizza that seems to be mostly what’s offered these days, I was really blown away by the burst of herbiness that hit my palate immediately. So much so that it lingers on the taste buds for a while (in a good way). I didn’t know this was a trademark of this style until Scott mentioned it when I commented that it's the first thing I noticed.
When asked what his goals are, he mentioned he has “enough audio equipment to set up for the Rolling Stones” and hopes to merge the two passions someday. He lives down the street from the upcoming North City Station Park, which will feature food trucks and a stage, so maybe we’ll see him there.
In the meantime, you can order directly from Scott by selecting your choice of pizza, 2 for $25 or 4 for $50. Offer available only through direct orders placed with Scott's Pizza. Choose from pepperoni, Italian sausage, cheese, or pepperoni sausage combos! Keep some wholesome frozen pizzas on hand and dump all the highly processed grocery-store junk while supporting a local!
He offers free delivery within a 2.5-mile radius of the shoreline light rail station. "We will bring them to you, and you bake at home. Or grab one at any of these great locations!
@Double DD Meats. (Frozen only)
More locations to come!
