Rudy Malnati Jr. opened Pizano's in 1991. He learned about pizza from his father and with that knowledge developed the now famous thin crust pizza that Oprah has called "her favorite" and the USA Today listed as top 10 in the Nation.

Pizano's features great food steeped in Italian tradition, skillfully prepared from the highest quality ingredients, and served in an inviting atmosphere in which to celebrate friendship and family. They also have a secret weapon that Jeff Ruby so eloquently described in 2010 in Chicago Magazine. He says, "In a State Street basement, an 83-year-old lady named Donna Marie Malnati may represent our last link to the genesis of deep-dish pizza. The widow of Rudy Malnati—an early player at Pizzeria Uno—and mother of Pizano’s Rudy Malnati Jr., Donna Marie spends her nights fashioning dough balls from an old and secret family recipe. Whatever is in it, the recipe produces the most addictive thin crust in Chicago. Irresistible caramelized edges here and there give way to a buttery, pastrylike base that recalls deep-dish without the backbreaking bulk. It’s got the distinct flavor of history." Pizano's looks forward to carrying on a tradition of serving you, along with your family and friends – for generations to come.