07/09/2026
The Collaboration That Started It All
One of the most rewarding parts of the last 25 years has been using pizza to give back.
Back in 2014, I reached out to my friends Josh and Christine, the owners of Honey Butter Fried Chicken, with an idea: What if we created a pizza together and used it to support a good cause?
They chose Pilot Light Chefs, a nonprofit that empowers teachers to use food education to inspire healthier kids and a stronger food system.
What none of us realized at the time was that this pizza would become the first of many collaborations. It sparked a tradition that has brought together some of Chicago’s most talented chefs, restaurants, and food businesses to support organizations making a real difference in our city.
Looking back, I’m just as proud of the causes we’ve supported as I am of the pizzas we’ve created. That’s one of the things that makes Chicago’s restaurant community so special.
As we celebrate 25 years of Piece this month, I’m grateful to Josh and Christine for believing in that first collaboration, to every chef and restaurant that has partnered with us since, and to every guest who ordered one of these pizzas.
Thank you for being part of our story.
Bill
piecepizzeriaandbrewery
