(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — This week's Made in Chicago is a Pizzeria that opened 12 years ago, but its roots in the city go back much further.
“Chicago is a pizza town,” said Brian Tondryk. And he would know.
“My family's background was Gino's East Pizza. My grandfather started Gino's East Pizza in 1966."
In 2013, Tondryk decided to step away from his career in sales and consulting to follow in his grandfather's footsteps by opening Bartoli's Pizzeria in Roscoe Village.
“It was something I always had the passion for. Kind of just wanted to carry on my grandfather's legacy.”
Bartoli's soon had a loyal following of its own.
“We have, what I call, a balanced deep dish pizza. Some people way too much cheese with way too much crust,” Tondryk said.
“It's got the right amount of cheese, the right amount sauce, the right amount of ingredients so you're not overwhelmed with every slice.”
Business was going so well, Tondryk opened a second location in West Town, but it was right as the COVID pandemic started, so he had to pivot.
“We said, ‘Let's put in a window so people can walk up and hand it to them out of the window.’”
The idea worked, and customers started stopping by – many with their dogs in tow.
So Bartoli's staff started handing out treats for the pups – resulting in some adorable doggie window videos that have taken social media by storm.
Stacy Rosszak is Chief dog greeter. She gets to meet the dogs and pass out treats.
Scout is one of her regulars, and Jessica Ortiz is his owner.
“He pulls me to this place. He loves Stacy. He pulls us here. This is part of our daily walk. It's so fun. It's a neighborhood spot.”
While pizza is the passion at Bartoli's, Tondryk admits, on social media, it’s hard to compete with the pup videos!
“We've had a lot of good accolades over the years, but as far as clicks go, I don't think we could ever get that many clicks.”
The social media attention is bringing them new customers, but it's the pizza that keeps them coming back, and that's something Tondryk thinks would make his grandfather proud.
“I know he would be happy to see that succeeding today.”
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | Bluesky