Introduction to Candlelite Pizza
WEST RIDGE — At the northern end of Chicago, an iconic neon marquee beckons. Even those who have not (yet) eaten at Candelite Chicago, 7452 N. Western Ave., have undoubtedly passed by the legendary sign, adorned with a welcoming martini glass and rotating messages of well wishes. Now, one of Chicago’s oldest pizzerias will have its own congrats on the marquee as it celebrates 75 years in business.
Celebrating 75 Years
The restaurant is marking the milestone with a 1950s-themed 75th anniversary party 2-10 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $22.40 for adults and include an all-you-can-eat pizza buffet, games, DJ sets, prizes for the best ’50s outfit and an appearance by Elvis. “It’s not every day a restaurant turns 75, and we have a lot of history to look back on,” said Pat Fowler, who co-owns the pizzeria with Pete Vernon.
Candelite co-owner Pat Fowler (left) and his wife Molly celebrate the pizzeria’s 75th anniversary with a 1950s-themed party on Sept. 20, 2025. At right, an iconic marquee for a Chicago icon. Credit: Courtesy Kendra Chaplin/Pete Vernon
The Iconic Marquee
Fowler said the marquee is the only piece remaining from the original restaurant, which expanded into the storefront next door years ago. The sign plays homage to Candelite’s beginnings as a tavern and date-night spot during a time of temperance. “When Candlelite opened in 1950, Evanston and a lot of the suburbs were dry,” Fowler said. “Candlelite was one of the only places you could go to get alcohol.”
A Destination for Special Occasions
Since then, the marquee has made Candlelite a destination for those celebrating special occasions. Fowler said they take every request for a marque message, even if they can only accommodate it temporarily. “If someone calls and we already have it booked, we’ll put their message up for 20 minutes so they can grab a photo,” he said. Over the years, Candlelite’s sign has highlighted everything from Little League championships to golden anniversaries.
The Famous Pizza
In a town known for thin-crust, tavern-style pizza, Candelite’s is among the standouts. The crust is cracker thin and never soggy, even under an avalanche of toppings. It’s a Candelite family secret, Fowler said. “The recipe has been transferred from a few different ownership groups over time,” he said. “There are some specific ingredients that help keep it nice and crispy, and that’s as much as I can say for now.”
The recipe for Candlelite’s pizza crust has been a closely guarded secret since 1950. Credit: Instagram/Candlelite Chicago
Expansion and Evolution
The menu has grown to include burgers, salads, and other dishes, but its foundation is tavern-style pizza. A second location opened last year in Lincoln Park, and ownership is in conversations about opening additional locations, Fowler said. During the pandemic, they rolled out a line of frozen pizzas, which they sell directly to consumers, wholesale partners, and local taprooms.
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