Professor Pizza Opens Its Doors on Grand Avenue, Serving Up 7 Styles of Pie to West Town

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/West Town · February 19, 2026

West Town's already legendary pizza scene just got a serious upgrade. Professor Pizza held its grand opening on Grand Avenue this past Thursday, February 13, bringing dine-in service — and a whole lot of dough — to the neighborhood. Owner Tony Scardino celebrated the milestone alongside friends, family, and Ald. Daniel La Spata (1st), marking the official debut of his second permanent Chicago location at 1374 W. Grand Ave.

What sets Professor Pizza apart is its jaw-dropping breadth of styles: New York, Sicilian, cracker-thin, Detroit, Grandma's, cast-iron, and deep-dish are all on the menu — with more potentially on the way. Scardino and his team transformed the former Bella Notte restaurant into a retro-styled, full-fledged pizzeria anchored by a slice case, with sides like garlic knots, meatball sliders, Caesar salad, wings, and "parm fries" rounding out the menu. Two ovens power the kitchen: a PizzaMaster electric and a Gozney natural gas unit primed for future experimentation. Scardino has spoken openly about his vision for the space as a community hub for Chicago creatives, joining celebrated neighborhood pizza institutions like D'Amato's, Pizz'Amici, Coalfire, and Salerno's.

West Town residents and pizza lovers across the city are encouraged to swing by Professor Pizza at 1374 W. Grand Ave. and discover which of the seven styles wins their heart. Whether you're a deep-dish devotee or a New York-slice purist, there's something at this new neighborhood gem for everyone.

Sources:
1. https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/02/13/professor-pizza-holds-grand-opening-in-west-town-with-slice-case-and-7-pizza-styles/