Petaluma's Old Chicago Pizza Celebrates 50 Years of Cheesy Perfection

The iconic deep-dish pizzeria is known for its gravity-defying cheese pulls and loyal local following.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 8:05pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeating pattern of a single deep-dish pizza slice, capturing the iconic cheese pull and the retro, nostalgic feel of the longtime Petaluma pizzeria.Old Chicago Pizza's signature deep-dish pies, with their gravity-defying cheese pulls, have become a social media sensation and a beloved local tradition.Petaluma Today

Old Chicago Pizza, a beloved Petaluma institution, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The family-owned pizzeria has been serving up thick, cheesy deep-dish pies since 1978, when founder Bill Berliner brought his version of the Chicago-style pizza to the West Coast. Now under the ownership of Joanne Hansen and Audrey Haglund, Old Chicago Pizza continues to draw crowds with its signature cheese-laden creations, which have become a social media sensation thanks to their dramatic 'cheese pulls'.

Why it matters

In a time of rapid change and high turnover in the restaurant industry, especially for independent businesses, Old Chicago Pizza's longevity is a testament to its commitment to quality, tradition, and community. As one of Sonoma County's longest-running pizzerias, the restaurant has become a beloved local institution, serving generations of Petalumans and drawing visitors from across the region.

The details

Old Chicago Pizza's signature deep-dish pies are layered with up to 2 pounds of mozzarella cheese, which is baked until it bubbles and blisters, creating the perfect canvas for the restaurant's gravity-defying 'cheese pulls'. The recipe and techniques were developed by founder Bill Berliner, who opened the restaurant in 1978 after being inspired by the deep-dish pizzas of his hometown, Chicago. Today, the restaurant continues to use Berliner's original crust recipe, which remains a closely guarded secret.

  • Old Chicago Pizza opened in the summer of 1978.
  • The restaurant is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year (2028).

The players

Bill Berliner

The original founder of Old Chicago Pizza, who brought his version of Chicago-style deep-dish pizza to Petaluma in 1978.

Joanne Hansen

The current co-owner of Old Chicago Pizza, who took over the business after the death of her husband, Michael Hansen, in 2016.

Audrey Haglund

The co-owner of Old Chicago Pizza, who has been with the business for many years and took over the restaurant along with Joanne Hansen.

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What they’re saying

“We're not skimpy on the ingredients.”

— Joanne Hansen, Co-owner, Old Chicago Pizza

“It takes a certain amount of practice to serve it.”

— Joanne Hansen, Co-owner, Old Chicago Pizza

What’s next

Old Chicago Pizza plans to host a special 50th anniversary celebration this summer, featuring live music, giveaways, and, of course, plenty of their signature deep-dish pizzas.

The takeaway

Old Chicago Pizza's enduring success in Petaluma is a testament to the power of tradition, community, and a commitment to quality. In an era of rapid change, the restaurant's ability to maintain its signature deep-dish recipe and loyal customer base for half a century is a remarkable achievement, making it a true local institution.