Deep Dish

by Marc Malnati

After a tumultuous beginning, the Malnati family turned a small business headed for bankruptcy into the pizzerias that became Chicagoland’s most iconic brand. Marc Malnati reveals the inside story of a chaotic family dynamic and the healing and ultimate success that could only come because of a loyal team with an unrivaled work ethic, a willingness to embrace personal growth, and a faith that wouldn’t die.

194 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 4, 2025

Reviews

[Dad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Start with an amazing recipe for the best Chicago deep dish pizza. From one small restaurant grow the business one person, one customer, one shop at a time. Recognize opportunities when they appear and seize them. Marc Malnati is the guy who made all of this happen, who made his family's pizza into a Chicago icon and a national favorite. With honesty, insight and gratitude to all who made the journey possible, he tells a highly entertaining and enlightening story here.
If you are an entrepreneur in any field, this book is highly worth reading.

[Adam Parrilli · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting story written by Lou's son, Marc. I'm a proud regular of ol' number 1 in Lincolnwood. Lou's is THE BEST. Their brand integrity is unmatched. I got a good laugh out of Marc's semi-beef with pizza know-it-all Steve Dolinsky, as well as his purposeful lowercasing of purdue university, him being a Bloomington, IN grad.

Despite allowing a few bits of manager-ese, private equity talk, and Christianity leak in, I appreciate Marc Malnati's openness and realness. A recommended read!

[Edward C Feldpausch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Chicago Institution

A must read for anyone that is in a family business or owns a business. The principles that Marc talks about are relevant to any business and the struggles that he and Rick have endured and has shared with us are extremely inspirational. Being a close friend of Rick's since the fall of 1978, this book has given me a new insight and level of admiration for Rick and Marc and how they have made Lou Malnati's the Chicago icon it has become.

[Joe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting fast paced read about the history and growth of Lou Malnati’s pizza. I found it enjoyable as a fan of the franchise and their food. The book keeps things at a high level, but does provide some insight into how the firm has maintained its unique culture over the years.