BUCKTOWN — My Pi Pizza, a beloved deep-dish pizzeria located on Damen Avenue, is set to close its doors for good, marking the end of a 25-year journey in Bucktown.
As customers continue to flock to the restaurant during its final days, the atmosphere remains vibrant and bustling, with many expressing their gratitude to owner Rich Aronson for the years of delicious pizza and warm service.
Rich Aronson, who took over the pizzeria in 2000 after spending years in the culinary world, finds himself reflecting on the legacy of both My Pi and his father, Larry Aronson, who founded the first My Pi pizzeria in Rogers Park in 1971.
“It’s been emotional,” Rich said, noting that since the closure announcement, he has been so busy that he hasn’t had much time to process the closure. “The restaurant is busier than it has ever been.”
The Aronson family’s journey in the restaurant business started long before Rich opened his Bucktown location. Larry Aronson developed a passion for pizza as a young man, particularly for deep-dish, and eventually turned that hobby into a successful restaurant empire in the ’70s and ’80s.
Rich recalls his father’s early culinary experiments with pizza, which featured a less acidic sauce made from California tomatoes to accommodate Larry’s sensitive stomach. This recipe became a signature at My Pi and distinguished the restaurant in the competitive landscape of pizza.
The first My Pi opened on August 24, 1971, quickly becoming a neighborhood favorite and even drawing long lines on opening day. Larry’s success inspired rapid expansion, with franchises sprouting in locations from Florida to Minnesota.
Despite the growth and popularity of My Pi, challenges began to surface in recent years. Rich identified a surge of competition in the pizza market, particularly from newly opened restaurants that catered to modern dining preferences, which started affecting his sales.
“We went from being one of the popular players in the game to figuring out how to stay afloat,” he explained.
The pandemic provided a temporary lifeline for My Pi, with a significant increase in shipping orders as people turned to takeout. “COVID, in a way, saved us,” Rich stated, highlighting the dramatic surge in business during those early months of the pandemic.
However, as life began to slowly return to normal, My Pi found itself back in a competitive landscape that was increasingly difficult to navigate. Rich eventually made the difficult decision to close the restaurant, with the last day of service slated for June 29, following a legacy defined by dedication to quality and customer service.
“It’s not just a restaurant closing; it’s a legacy brand going away,” he said, emphasizing the emotional weight of the decision.
Rich expressed hope for the future of the My Pi brand, as his parents still own the trademark. He is eager to see someone step in and continue the tradition that has been a staple of the community for over five decades.
“It’s not for just anybody, but for someone who understands food and is dedicated to maintaining quality,” he added.
As his final day approaches, Rich and his team are busy serving loyal customers, who have come to cherish the pizzeria as a part of their shared experiences and celebrations.
My Pi’s final sendoff is scheduled for August 24 at Pizza City Fest, a fitting tribute coinciding with the anniversary of the original restaurant’s opening.
“To all our patrons, thank you for letting us be part of your lives,” Rich concluded, acknowledging the immense support from the community during My Pi’s nearly three-decade run in Bucktown.
image source from：https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/06/16/my-pi-deep-dish-pioneer-to-serve-its-final-pizzas-after-more-than-5-decades/
