Ike Sewell | Vibepedia

Ike Sewell is indelibly linked to the creation and popularization of Chicago-style deep-dish pizza through his iconic Pizzeria Uno and Pizzeria Due. Opening Uno in 1943, Sewell, alongside Rudy Malnati Sr. and Ric Riccardo, is credited with inventing the dish that would become a global culinary ambassador for Chicago. While the exact origins are debated, Sewell's vision and business acumen were crucial in transforming a local novelty into a national phenomenon. His legacy is not just about pizza, but about carving out a distinct culinary identity for a city and creating a business model that has endured for decades. His impact resonates through countless imitators and the enduring appeal of his original establishments.