CHICAGO, Sept. 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Two celebrated Chicago food institutions are joining forces for a one-of-a-kind take on deep dish. Giordano’s, the iconic Chicago pizza brand known for its world-famous stuffed deep dish, has partnered with Michelin-recognized Smoque BBQ to introduce the Pitmaster Deep Dish, a new e-commerce exclusive available for nationwide shipping.
The collaboration combines the flavors that have made Smoque a Chicago barbecue destination with the unmistakable format of Giordano’s stuffed deep dish. The Pitmaster Deep Dish features Smoque’s authentic smoked beef brisket, spicy sausage, and candied jalapeños, finished with a housemade BBQ sauce created specifically for the pizza in place of traditional pizza sauce.
Rather than simply adding barbecue toppings to an existing pizza, the Giordano’s and Smoque teams spent months developing a pie that would authentically represent both styles. Smoque created a special BBQ sauce balancing sweet, savory, tangy, and spicy flavors to complement its smoked meats while working naturally within Giordano’s stuffed deep dish.
“When Giordano’s approached us, we were immediately excited about bringing together two great Chicago brands to create something that respected the stuffed pizza form while really representing the Texas-inspired BBQ Smoque is known for,” said Barry Sorkin, co-founder of Smoque BBQ. “We spent months developing different versions, and I think we landed on something that Chicagoans will recognize as a stuffed pizza, but that stands on its own as a completely different way to experience Texas BBQ. We wanted something that looked like Chicago but ate like Austin.”
Giordano’s signature stuffed format also offers an unexpected advantage for one of the pizza’s star ingredients: brisket. The top crust protects the smoked meat and other ingredients from the direct dry heat of the pizza oven, helping the brisket remain juicy throughout the baking process.
“Chicago is a city that takes its food traditions seriously, and that is exactly what made collaborating with Smoque so exciting,” said Nick Scarpino, CEO of Giordano’s. “The Pitmaster Deep Dish brings together two very different traditions in a way that still feels unmistakably Chicago. Smoque brought its barbecue expertise, we brought the stuffed deep dish, and together we created something we think fans of both are going to have a lot of fun trying.”
The Pitmaster Deep Dish will be available for a limited time and can be shipped nationwide through Giordano’s online store in packs of two, four, and six. Each pizza is shipped frozen and arrives ready to bake at home.
For more information or to find a Giordano’s location, visit Giordanos.com.
ABOUT GIORDANO’S
Based in Chicago, Giordano’s World Famous Deep-Dish Pizza has been serving its world-famous stuffed pizza for over 50 years. In 1974, immigrant brothers Efren and Joseph Boglio introduced their mother’s 200-year-old Italian recipe to Chicago, pioneering what is now internationally known as Chicago-style stuffed pizza. Today, Giordano’s operates nearly 60 locations across 9 states and ships its iconic pizza nationwide. Committed to uncompromising quality, Giordano’s sources Wisconsin mozzarella from local farmers within a 50-mile radius for a creamy, buttery melt, hand-picked Mendocino County tomatoes for a naturally sweet sauce, and specially milled, unbleached flour from Minnesota for its signature crust. All recipes are crafted in-house with no added nitrates, MSG or fillers. Giordano’s has been consistently recognized as Chicago’s Best Pizza by NBC Chicago, CBS Chicago, The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, and more. For decades, its authentic deep-dish experience has made it a favorite among pizza lovers nationwide. Follow Giordano’s on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok and to purchase or learn more, visit www.giordanos.com.
MEDIA CONTACT
Rachel Chick
GIORDANOSPR@MEKKYMEDIA.COM
847-331-5861
WWW.GIORDANOS.COM
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/33306a47-0913-4a76-adc0-d06f5bcd8311
