By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published Nov 27, 2019 at 1:15 PM

The Windy City’s best-known deep dish pizza is almost ready for you.

Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria will officially open its first Wisconsin restaurant on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 4 p.m. at the Riverpoint Village Shopping Center, 8799 N. Port Washington Rd.

The 2,000-square foot restaurant does not feature a dining room. However, it offers guests carryout, delivery and drop-off catering services. 

"We are thrilled with the opportunity to bring our authentic Chicago-style deep dish pizza to America’s Dairyland," said Marc Malnati, owner and son of Lou Malnati in a release about the opening.

"It’s a historic day for the company to be able to set up shop in Milwaukee and move up north to Wisconsin. We are excited to be part of the growth in Milwaukee and see great revitalization and similar tastes to Chicago. Also, a real appreciation for cheese is paramount in where we decide to go and who knows cheese better than Wisconsin?"

Although this is the first Wisconsin location, America’s Dairyland has long been a part of the company’s history.

"We’ve been sourcing our cheese from the same vendors in Wisconsin for nearly 50 years," Malnati adds. "Our partners up here have been critical to our success. Eventually we’re hoping to have several locations in the Milwaukee area, including a few full-service restaurants and carryout and delivery stores as well."

In addition to serving their famous deep dish pies, Lou Malnati's also believes in investing in the communities they served through fundraising and youth incentive programs that support local schools, a generous donations program, and working with local charitable organizations.

Beginning Dec. 11, Lou Malnati's will be open Monday through Thursday from 4 to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host

Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. 

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.