About Our Pizzeria
A Humble Beginning in Arlington Heights Wayne's Pizza, located in the heart of Arlington Heights, Illinois, has been a cornerstone of the community for decades. Founded in early 1964, this local establishment started as a small, family-owned business with a simple goal: to provide authentic, delicious pizza to the residents of Arlington Heights and its surrounding neighborhoods. From the beginning, Wayne, the original owner, focused on quality ingredients and traditional pizza-making techniques. He sought to create pizzas that would not only satisfy hunger but also bring people together. Using recipes passed down through generations, Wayne's pizzas soon became known for their perfectly crispy crust, rich tomato sauce, and generous toppings. What set Wayne's apart was its unwavering commitment to using only the freshest ingredients—locally sourced produce, premium cheeses, and house-made sausage that captured the essence of classic Italian flavors. Growth and Community Engagement As word spread about the exceptional taste of Wayne's pizzas, the pizzeria quickly grew in popularity. It wasn’t long before Wayne's Pizzeria became a beloved neighborhood institution. Over time, the menu expanded to include not just traditional pizzas but also a wide variety of specialty pizzas, pastas, and sandwiches. The famous Chicago-style deep-dish pizza was added to the menu, bringing in even more customers from across the region. What truly set Wayne’s Pizzeria apart, however, was its deep connection with the Arlington Heights community. Over the years, Wayne's Pizzeria became involved in local events, school fundraisers, and community outreach programs. Hosting pizza parties for local sports teams and providing catering for events, Wayne's became more than just a restaurant—it became a gathering spot for families and friends to celebrate and create memories. The Secret to Success: Quality and Tradition One of the key factors behind Wayne's Pizzeria's enduring success is its dedication to time-honored recipes and techniques. Even as the food industry evolved and competition grew, Wayne's Pizzeria never wavered from its core principles of quality and tradition. The dough is still made fresh daily, the sauce is simmered for hours to achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, and the pizzas are cooked in traditional stone ovens to achieve the ideal texture. Wayne’s has always been about keeping it simple and doing it right. Unlike many modern pizza chains that rely on mass production, Wayne's Pizzeria stays true to its roots by ensuring every pizza is handcrafted with care. Whether it’s a classic Margherita or a more adventurous option like the Buffalo Chicken Pizza, customers can taste the difference that passion and expertise bring to every bite. A Family Tradition Passed Down As Wayne neared retirement in the 1990s, he passed the torch to his children, ensuring that the family business would continue to thrive under their leadership. His children, having grown up in the restaurant, had learned the business inside and out. They maintained the same commitment to quality that their father had instilled in the restaurant, while also introducing new ideas to keep the menu fresh and exciting. Wayne’s Pizza: A Legacy of Tradition and Flavor Family-owned and operated, Wayne’s Pizza proudly upholds its legacy of authentic, delicious pizza. Now run by the second generation, Wayne’s has blended tradition with modern touches like online ordering and delivery, yet the essence of this iconic pizzeria remains the same. Today, customers enjoy the same mouthwatering pizzas that have made Wayne’s a local favorite for over 50 years. A beloved institution with regional fame Though rooted in Arlington Heights, Wayne’s Pizzeria has earned a reputation that draws visitors from neighboring towns and those passing through the Chicago suburbs. Known for its rich flavors, welcoming atmosphere, and friendly service, Wayne’s has become a destination for pizza lovers across the region. Catering for Every Occasion Wayne’s Pizzeria is also celebrated for its catering services, providing fresh, high-quality pizzas for everything from birthday parties to corporate events. Whether it’s a classic cheese pizza or a gourmet creation loaded with toppings, every order is crafted with the dedication to quality that has defined Wayne’s from the start. A Future Grounded in Quality and Community Looking ahead, Wayne’s Pizza remains committed to the values that have sustained it for five decades. With plans to expand the menu, introduce new flavors, and enhance customer convenience, Wayne’s is prepared to serve up its famous pizzas for years to come. The quality and tradition that made Wayne’s an Arlington Heights icon will never change. Wayne’s Pizza stands as a testament to family, tradition, and a dedication to excellence. From humble beginnings, it has become a regional treasure, cherished by pizza lovers and the community alike.
Meet the Business Owner
Robert Gillig
Tony Gillig has been in the business for many years and now is the proud owner of Wayne's Pizza, where he enjoys serving the community great food and providing excellent service. He hopes to provide you with such a positive experience that you'll return to Wayne's Pizza whenever you're in the mood for a warm slice of flavorful goodness!
A Brief History of Pizza
Pizza, one of the world’s most popular dishes, has a rich and varied history that dates back centuries. Its origins can be traced to ancient civilizations, where flatbreads were commonly used as a base for various toppings. The ancient Greeks and Egyptians ate flatbreads with olive oil and local spices, which can be seen as early forms of pizza.However, the modern version of pizza as we know it today is closely tied to Naples, Italy. In the 18th and early 19th centuries, Neapolitan street vendors began selling simple flatbreads with ingredients like tomatoes, cheese, oil, and garlic. These were sold to the working class as a cheap and satisfying meal. In 1889, a significant moment in pizza history occurred when Italian King Umberto I and Queen Margherita visited Naples. A local pizzaiolo, Raffaele Esposito, created a pizza topped with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, representing the colors of the Italian flag. This pizza became known as "Pizza Margherita" in honor of the queen.
Pizza gained international fame after World War II, when returning soldiers from Italy spread their love for the dish, particularly in the United States. Italian immigrants brought pizza to the U.S. in the late 19th century. Still, it became a nationwide sensation in the post-war era, especially with the opening of the first pizzerias in major cities like New York.
Since then, pizza has evolved into numerous styles and variations, with each country adding its unique twist, from Chicago's deep-dish to Japan’s seafood-topped pizzas. Today, pizza is enjoyed globally, symbolizing the fusion of tradition and modern culinary creativity.