Deep Dish Pizza Giant Gino’s East Opens in Atlanta This Friday

Chicago deep dish chain Gino’s East Pizza finally opens Friday, December 14 at 4 p.m. in Poncey-Highland after being delayed a week due to final inspections by the city of Atlanta. Gino’s is located in the former Rize Artisan Pizza space across from Sweet Auburn BBQ and Soul Vegetarian No. 2 on North Highland Avenue.

In a Facebook post, the deep dish pizzeria lamented and apologized for the delay saying, “Your pizza is almost ready! Unfortunately, due to city inspections, we will be pushing our grand opening to Friday, December 14th. We do humbly apologize for the inconvenience. We want you to know that we have done everything in our power to make this possible; however, this mishap was out of our control.”

While Gino’s East is from Chicago — which earned the nickname “the windy city” for its big-mouthed politicians — and is likely used to the slow wheels of progress and mountains of red tape at city hall, Atlanta may give it a run for its money in the slow progress and permitting department.

Chicago deep dish is a hot topic among pizza enthusiasts, who debate whether it’s actually a pizza or just a savory casserole slathered in tangy tomato sauce and gooey cheese.

Atlanta will get to judge for itself starting Friday.

Gino’s East

The original Gino’s East opened in Chicago in 1966 offering the city’s signature deep dish pizza. Gino’s has locations throughout metro Chicago and in Wisconsin, Texas, Arizona, and Mexico City.

Take a look at the opening menu:

Dine-in hours are Sunday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Gino’s plans to add delivery and carry-out toward the end of December.

Updated, December 12, 2:30 p.m.: This story was updated to include the opening day menu.

675 North Highland Avenue, Atlanta. ginoseast.com/atlanta.

• Gino’s East Brings Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza to Atlanta Next Month [EATL]