Photos: Pizzeria Pezzo
White Bear Lake will continue to enjoy authentic Chicago-style pizza.
Over a decade ago, the late Gary Bougie and his wife, Keri Bougie, partnered with Kowalski’s Markets to open Pizzeria Pezzo at 2143 4th St. in White Bear Lake. The authentic and award-winning pizza restaurant with a decidedly Chicago flair specializes in coal-fired thin crust and deep-dish pies. After Gary passed in 2014, Keri continued his legacy by maintaining the original White Bear Lake location and adding additional pizzerias at Kowalski’s Markets’ Edina and Woodbury locations.
The Heart of Sicily salad (left) remains a crowd favorite. It will soon be joined by the Lombardy salad (right).
After an additional decade and some change, Keri has decided to sell Pizzeria Pezzo to its longtime partner, Kowalski’s Markets, to continue Gary’s legacy. “I’ve always loved dining at [Pizzeria] Pezzo,” Kowalski’s Markets CEO Kris Kowalski Christiansen says. “From day one, it felt like home. The staff was warm and welcoming, and the food—absolutely incredible. The recipes that Gary started [Pizzeria] Pezzo with have always been the soul of the menu and will forever be its foundation.”
Kowalski’s Markets plans to honor the roots of the pizzeria while adding thoughtful updates to the menu, bar and dining area. “We love creating beautiful, inviting spaces and serving delicious food that makes people feel at home,” Christiansen says. “It’s what we’ve been doing in our stores for over 40 years.”
Guests can expect an extended cocktail and wine menu.
In celebration, Kowalski’s Markets will host a reopening celebration during the week of January 27. Guests can expect a varied list of specials throughout the week when they dine in, as well as opportunities to win prizes. The festivities will culminate in a party on January 31 with live music, prize drawings and special discounts.
Pizzeria Pezzo
Instagram: @pizzeriapezzo
