Our Story

Crafting Pizza With Passion
Since 2008

We believe great pizza starts with great people, the freshest ingredients, and a genuine love for the craft. Discover the story behind every slice.

Mod Pizza kitchen team handcrafting artisan pizzas
15+
Years of
Flavor

Our Story

From a Tiny Kitchen
to a Community Favorite

It all started in 2008 when founders Alex and Maria Romano set out with a simple dream: create a pizza so good, so fresh, and so personal that every customer would feel like a regular. They opened our first location in Vernon Hills with a single wood-fired oven, a handful of locally sourced ingredients, and an unshakeable belief that pizza should be made to order, every single time.

What made Mod Pizza different from day one was our commitment to customization. We don't believe in one-size-fits-all. Every pizza is built by you, crafted by us — your choice of crust, sauce, toppings, and cheese, assembled fresh and fired in minutes. That philosophy turned first-time visitors into loyal fans and loyal fans into family.

Wood-Fired Ovens Authentic flavor in every bite
Fresh Ingredients Locally sourced where possible
Community First Rooted in Vernon Hills since 2008
Made With Love Every pizza, handcrafted for you
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What Drives Us

Our Mission & Promise

Three pillars guide everything we do — from sourcing ingredients to training every team member.

Quality Without Compromise

We use only premium, fresh ingredients in every pizza we make. From our hand-stretched dough to our hand-crushed tomato sauce, we never cut corners on quality because your taste buds deserve the best.

People-Powered Culture

We believe our team members are our greatest asset. By investing in their growth, wellbeing, and happiness, we ensure every customer interaction is warm, genuine, and memorable. Great people make great pizza.

Sustainable & Responsible

We're committed to reducing our environmental footprint through sustainable sourcing, eco-friendly packaging, and community partnerships. Good food should also mean a good future for the planet.

Core Values

What We Stand For

These aren't just words on a wall — they're the principles that shape every decision we make at Mod Pizza.

Excellence

We pursue perfection in every detail, from the crispness of our crust to the warmth of our service.

Integrity

We are honest, transparent, and fair — with our customers, suppliers, and team members alike.

Innovation

We constantly explore new flavors, techniques, and ideas to keep our menu fresh and exciting for every visit.

Community

We give back to the neighborhoods we serve through local partnerships, events, and charitable programs.

Meet The Team

The People Behind Every Slice

Our passionate team brings decades of culinary expertise and a shared love of great pizza to every shift.

Alex Romano, Co-Founder and CEO of Mod Pizza

Co-Founder & CEO

Alex Romano

With 20+ years in the food industry, Alex built Mod Pizza on the belief that fast food should never mean low quality. His vision drives every menu decision.

Maria Romano, Co-Founder and Head Chef of Mod Pizza

Co-Founder & Head Chef

Maria Romano

A classically trained chef who studied in Naples, Italy, Maria crafts our signature sauces and dough recipes. She ensures every pizza lives up to its Italian inspiration.

James Carter, Operations Director at Mod Pizza

Operations Director

James Carter

James keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes. From supply chain management to staff training, he's the backbone that makes every location consistent and efficient.

Sofia Martinez, Head of Customer Experience at Mod Pizza

Head of Customer Experience

Sofia Martinez

Sofia ensures every guest leaves happier than when they arrived. She leads our front-of-house training programs and champions the "squad" culture that defines Mod Pizza.

Interested in joining our passionate team? We're always looking for energetic, food-loving people to grow with us.

View Career Opportunities

Our Journey

Milestones That Shaped Us

From a single oven to a beloved brand — here's how Mod Pizza grew, one pizza at a time.

2008

The First Oven Is Lit

Alex and Maria Romano open our flagship location in Vernon Hills, IL with a 400 sq ft kitchen, one wood-fired oven, and a dream to change the way people think about fast pizza.

2010

Community Recognition

Mod Pizza wins "Best New Restaurant" from the Vernon Hills Community Awards. We serve our 50,000th pizza and expand our dining area to accommodate our growing fanbase.

2013

Online Ordering Launches

We introduce our custom online ordering platform, allowing customers to fully customize their pizza before picking it up or having it delivered. Orders spike 40% within the first month.

2016

Catering & Events Program

We officially launch our full catering program, bringing Mod Pizza's fresh, customizable approach to weddings, corporate events, and private parties across the greater Chicago area.

2019

Sustainability Pledge

Mod Pizza commits to 100% eco-friendly packaging, partnering with local farms for seasonal ingredients and reducing food waste by 35% through smarter prep and portioning practices.

2022

Franchise Program Opens

After years of perfecting our model, we open Mod Pizza to franchise partners who share our values. Our first franchise location opens and exceeds first-year projections by 28%.

2025

A Legacy Still Rising

With over 500,000 pizzas served, an award-winning team, and a loyal community behind us, Mod Pizza continues to grow while staying true to what matters most — great pizza, made your way.

Ready to Taste the Difference?

Experience the passion and craftsmanship that goes into every Mod Pizza. Order online, visit us in Vernon Hills, or explore our full menu right now.

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