Candlelite’s Lincoln Park Pizzeria Shines With New Neon Marquee
New Sign Brings Classic Look to the North Side
Candlelite restaurant in Lincoln Park is buzzing a little brighter these days thanks to its new neon marquee, inspired by the original sign outside of the iconic West Ridge pizzeria.
A Classic Look
Candlelite Lincoln Park opened in October, the second location for the pizzeria known for its hand-lettered marquee and its cracker-thin crust.
Owner’s Vision
Candlelite owner Pat Fowler took his time making sure he found the right company to commission the new sign. It had to be modern while also paying homage to the original, he said.
“It was really important to me to make sure we had the same marquee sign out front of the Lincoln Park location,” Fowler previously told Block Club. “That original sign was built 74 years ago, and finding somebody that could mimic it was really difficult.”
A Look at the Past
Candlelite opened in 1950 at 7452 N. Western Ave. and has made a name for itself as one of the longest-standing and most consistent places to get a thin-crust pie in a city known for its tavern-style pizza parlors.
The iconic original marquee at Candlelite in West Ridge.
A New Chapter
Over the past few years, Fowler looked to expand but had trouble finding the perfect spot for a second location, he said.
During his search process, Larry Weiner, a regular customer at Candlelite and co-owner of iO Theater at 1501 N. Kingsbury St., had the idea of Fowler taking over the comedy club’s food and drink service. Fowler jumped at the chance.
A Cozy Dining Room
The new Candlelite seats 70 people in a cozy dining room, mirroring the original’s nostalgic vibe. A front patio with seating for 30 is expected to open in the coming months.
The Same Menu
The menu at the Lincoln Park location is the same as the original, with customer favorites like the Candlelite white, sausage and pepper, and margherita pizzas.
Keeping with Candlelite tradition, the Lincoln Park restaurant will still allow guests to customize messages on the marquee for birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions.
Conclusion
Candlelite’s new neon marquee brings a touch of nostalgia to the North Side, and its traditional menu and cozy dining room make it a must-visit destination for pizza lovers.
FAQs
Q: What is the story behind the new neon marquee?
A: The new neon marquee was designed to pay homage to the original sign outside of the iconic West Ridge pizzeria.
Q: Is the menu the same at the Lincoln Park location as the original?
A: Yes, the menu at the Lincoln Park location is the same as the original, with customer favorites like the Candlelite white, sausage and pepper, and margherita pizzas.
Q: Can I customize the marquee for special occasions?
A: Yes, keeping with Candlelite tradition, the Lincoln Park restaurant will still allow guests to customize messages on the marquee for birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions.
