Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria Launches Signature Pizza Menu

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — As part of launching its new signature pizza menu, Lou Malnati's Pizzeria debuted a new item Thursday at restaurant locations across Chicagoland. The Buffalo Grove-based deep dish pizza company rolled out a margherita pesto pizza.

Described as a "vegetarian-friendly pizza" features melty Wisconsin mozzarella cheese and vine-ripened tomatoes topped with fresh mozzarella slices and generous dollops of artisan nut-free basil pesto sauce that is made fresh, in-house daily, according to Lou's.

In addition to the margherita pesto pizza, the Signature Menu will feature four of Lou Malnati’s most
popular and best-selling pizzas since opening its first location in 1971, specifically curated by Lou Malnati’s culinary team. Crafted to deliver the signature Lou Malnati’s experience, the Signature Menu includes:

• Malnati Chicago Classic — Lou’s most legendary recipe, this is the ultimate authentic Chicago pizza and a staple at Lou’s. Available in deep dish only featuring the family’s secret ButtercrustTM recipe, this pizza is topped with Lou’s proprietary sausage blend, extra mozzarella cheese for the quintessential cheese pull, and vine-ripened tomato sauce.
• The Lou — This Malnati family favorite is made with spinach, mushrooms, and sliced Roma tomatoes, covered with three cheeses and served on garlic ButtercrustTM.
• Veggie — This vegetarian-friendly classic recipe is built with mozzarella cheese, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, and topped with Lou’s famous chef-crafted vine-ripened tomato sauce.
• Mike’s Hot Honey — Once a limited-time-only offering, it has earned its permanent place on Lou Malnati’s Signature Menu. Made with Lou’s proprietary sausage blend, hot giardiniera, cupped pepperoni and a drizzle of Mike’s Hot Honey, this is a Chicago take on America’s favorite pizza condiment.

"We use only the freshest and finest ingredients available and our commitment to quality and consistency is what has set us apart for more than 50 years — including our family's secret recipe for flaky, buttery crust that has been passed down for generations," said Marc Malnati, owner of Lou Malnati's Pizzeria. "This new menu celebrates our past, present and future – and gives guests the best of Lou's."

Earlier this month, Patch reported that Julie Younglove-Webb, a former Auntie Anne's executive, was named the new chief executive officer Lou's.

"Julie brings the right mix of restaurant know-how and genuine appreciation for what we've built here," said Marc Malnati, owner of Lou Malnati's. "She's proven she can grow great food brands while staying true to their roots, and that's exactly our vision for Lou Malnati's."

At Auntie Anne's, a GoTo Foods brand, Younglove-Webb most recently served as senior vice president and chief brand officer. Her industry background also includes senior leadership roles at Domino's Pizza and Potbelly Corporation, where she oversaw corporate and restaurant operations, respectively.

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