Chicago’s iconic deep-dish pizzeria, My Pi, has closed down after 54 years of business, drawing the curtain on a significant era in the city’s culinary history. Opened on August 24, 1971, My Pi was a family-owned eatery that became a beloved fixture in the Chicago metropolitan region. The closure marks the finality of a pioneering restaurant renowned for its contribution to popularizing Chicago-style deep-dish pizza.
Highlights:
- Established in 1971, My Pi was the first Chicago deep-dish cafe to ever branch out beyond Illinois, and it was famous for its quality.
- The shutdown after 54 years of business was due to economic uncertainty, according to the founder’s son, Rich Aronson.
- People have reacted with dismay at the shutdown, many lamenting the loss of My Pi’s well-liked vegan pizza offerings.
A Culinary Legacy in Decline
My Pi’s journey started in 1971 with Larry Aronson’s idea of sharing his deep-dish pizza recipe, one that he had perfected since the 1950s. Ironically, My Pi was the first Chicago-style deep-dish pizzeria to branch out beyond the state of Illinois, earning accolades as the best pizza in the towns it served. Expansion of the pizzeria was the impetus for popularizing Chicago’s unique deep-dish pizza style over a wider audience.
Reflecting on Closure
The announcement of the closure of My Pi after over half a century has truly touched Chicago’s food enthusiasts. The shutdown of operations for such a well-known and trusted institution brings an aspect of loss to many of those who cherished its place in Chicago’s dining heritage.
Economic Challenges
It was founder Larry Aronson’s son, Rich Aronson, who explained the closure of the final location of My Pi on the last day of June. The “uncertainty of the economy”, he says, was the reason. The statement highlights the serious effect that prevailing economic conditions can have on even well-established and successful restaurant chains.
Community Backlash
The news of the shutdown elicited an emotional reaction from the public, with users expressing their sadness and disappointment on social media. Some of the Instagram users who specifically quoted their regret over losing My Pi’s vegan pizza. One of them summarized the feelings of others, referring to the shutdown as a “tragedy” and declaring My Pi as “easily the best deep dish in Chicago.”
The Road to Success
My Pi’s success lay in its family ownership and operation for 54 years. Founder Larry Aronson insisted on refining his deep-dish recipe using only the best ingredients, like less acidic tomatoes and a proprietary “spice pack” to add depth. This commitment to quality and dedication allowed My Pi to become a local culinary scene for more than five decades.
The Future of Chicago’s Pizza Scene
The shutdown of My Pi, a pioneer in Chicago’s pizza scene, will certainly be felt in the city’s vibrant food culture. Though Chicago has plenty of deep-dish options, the absence of a restaurant with such a rich past marks a significant change.
After 54 years of offering its iconic deep-dish pizza, the family-owned restaurant My Pi shut its doors amid economic uncertainty, closing a significant chapter in the history of Chicago’s culinary scene.
