Tuscaloosa, the epitome of the Heart of Dixie, is now getting a taste of authentic Chicago deep-dish style pizza and other beloved Windy City favorites. How, you may ask? Well, it’s thanks to Antioch Pizza Shop, the newest pizza destination on the Tuscaloosa food scene, delivering fresh deep-dish slices and hearty Midwestern comfort in every bite.
Family Owned
The roots of Antioch Pizza Shop trace back to Antioch, Illinois, a small town just north of Chicago with a deep appreciation for traditional pizza culture. The founders, Art and Karen Wicklein, are high school sweethearts who transformed their lifelong love for food into a thriving business. After years of working in the corporate world, they decided it was time to follow their passion: introducing people to real Chicago-style pizza.
Walking away from stable careers is no small decision, but for the Wickleins, the reward far outweighed the risk. Their dream wasn’t just to make pizza; it was to create a gathering place where community thrives, friendships are built, and families share meals together. As they like to say, Antioch Pizza Shop was designed to be “the crust of the community.”
This philosophy shapes everything they do. Whether it’s hosting local fundraisers, supporting churches and schools, or giving back to civic organizations, Antioch Pizza isn’t just about serving food — it’s about becoming part of the fabric of each city it enters. The Wickleins envisioned their shop as nostalgic and cozy, the kind of place where the walls carry the smell of fresh-baked pies and customers feel at home the second they step inside.
What started as a single pizzeria in Illinois has quickly expanded into a regional success story. Antioch Pizza Shop has already planted roots in Austin, Texas; Charlotte, North Carolina; and now Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The choice to expand into Tuscaloosa wasn’t random — this city is known for its energy, hospitality, and, of course, its passion for food.
Tuscaloosa is a town where traditions run deep, whether it’s cheering on the Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium, gathering for barbecue, or enjoying a Friday night on the Strip. Adding Chicago deep-dish pizza to the mix only enriches the city’s already diverse food culture. Now, locals and students alike can experience the bold, cheesy flavors that have made Chicago pizza famous for decades — without leaving Alabama.
The Menu
It’s no secret that Tuscaloosa already has its fair share of pizza joints, ranging from trendy wood-fired kitchens to classic takeout spots. But what sets Antioch Pizza Shop apart? The answer lies in its authenticity and variety.
The menu offers four distinct styles of crust, each representing a different tradition of Chicago pizza-making. First, there’s the shop’s signature “stuffed” pizza, a true Chicago deep-dish masterpiece layered with gooey mozzarella, savory toppings, and a second crust that seals the deal. It’s the kind of pizza where a thick layer of housemade tomato sauce is on top of the cheese. Each slice is a meal and its hearty enough to satisfy even the hungriest UA student. It’s only available on Tuesdays, though, so make sure to plan accordingly!
For those who prefer a thinner, crunchier bite, Antioch also serves the Chicago tavern-style thin crust, a cult favorite in the Midwest. Cracker thin with a sweet sauce and melty mozzarella, Antioch has multiple flavors in this style. I had the supreme. It came with bell peppers, Italian sausage, and olives. Every day of the week has a different flavor of pizza, such as Mondays having a barbecue chicken slice and Fridays having a double bacon cheeseburger slice.
There’s also the pan-style pizza, which was my personal favorite. Packed with sauce and cheese, the crust was soft with so much flavor. It was like garlic bread with pizza sauce and cheese on top. I highly recommend it, although any slice you grab is bound to be delicious here.
The best part about Antioch? Their deals. You can get ANY 2 slices and a drink for only $7. This is bound to become your new “cheap dinner” out. You get 2 large slices of delicious, fresh pizza, it can be 2 different slices if you want, for less than you’d spend at McDonald’s. If you’re really hungry, adding another slice is only $3.50, so you could get 3 large slices of pizza and a drink for less than $11. You can alternatively get a slice, a salad, and a drink for $8 if that’s your preference.
Of course, pizza isn’t the only attraction. Antioch’s menu also includes Italian beef sandwiches, loaded fries, cheesy garlic bread, hearty salads, and decadent desserts. Each item reflects the same commitment to freshness and quality that the Wickleins built their business on.
What Makes Antioch Special
When you walk into an Antioch Pizza Shop, you’re not just entering a restaurant — you’re stepping into a neighborhood gathering place. The Wickleins designed every shop with intention, filling the space with warm lighting, familiar décor, and the unmistakable aroma of fresh dough baking in the oven. It’s nostalgic, yet welcoming to newcomers who may be trying Chicago-style pizza for the first time.
But what really defines Antioch Pizza Shop is its commitment to community. The Tuscaloosa location plans to follow in the footsteps of the original Illinois shop by supporting local schools, churches, and organizations through donations, partnerships, and fundraisers. Whether it’s a pizza night to raise money for a youth sports team or sponsoring a local charity event, Antioch’s mission is to uplift the people who support them.
This spirit of giving is part of why the chain has grown so successfully. Customers don’t just stop by for dinner — they return because they feel connected to a place that values them.
Some might wonder, why Tuscaloosa? For the Wickleins, the decision was simple. Tuscaloosa is a city with a big personality and a strong sense of pride. It’s home to the University of Alabama, drawing tens of thousands of students, faculty, alumni, and fans every year. Game days transform the city into a sea of crimson and white, with food being at the heart of the celebration.
Adding Chicago deep-dish pizza to Tuscaloosa’s mix gives both locals and visitors another reason to celebrate. The hearty portions make Antioch Pizza the perfect pre-game meal, post-game indulgence, or casual hangout spot on a weeknight. And because the menu caters to multiple pizza preferences, it appeals to both die-hard Chicagoans craving a taste of home and Southerners eager to try something new.
Food is often tied to memory and identity, and Antioch Pizza Shop understands that well. For Chicago transplants living in Tuscaloosa — whether they’re students, professors, or professionals — Antioch offers a familiar taste of home. For lifelong Alabamians, it’s a chance to experience something iconic from another part of the country.
Every bite of Antioch’s stuffed deep dish tells a story: the long tradition of Chicago pizzerias, the dedication of Art and Karen Wicklein, and the joy of sharing a meal with people who matter. The melted cheese, the rich tomato sauce, the buttery crust — it all comes together to create an experience that goes beyond food. It’s comfort. It’s nostalgia. It’s community.
The Tuscaloosa shop is just the beginning of Antioch’s southern expansion. With proven success in multiple markets, the Wickleins are determined to grow their brand while holding fast to their values. The goal isn’t just to multiply locations, but to replicate the same community-focused environment everywhere they go.
In Tuscaloosa, that means building partnerships, hosting events, and creating memories for families, students, and fans. As the city continues to evolve, Antioch Pizza Shop plans to be part of its story, one slice at a time.
In the end, Antioch Pizza Shop is more than just a restaurant; it’s a movement. It’s about bringing authentic Chicago flavors to new places while staying rooted in community, generosity, and passion.
For Tuscaloosa, this means the city now has access to one of the Midwest’s most beloved culinary traditions. Whether you’re sitting down with friends after a big game, grabbing dinner with family, or simply curious about what makes Chicago pizza special, Antioch is ready to welcome you in.
As Art and Karen Wicklein like to say, Antioch Pizza Shop is about more than crust and cheese — it’s about connection. And now, Tuscaloosa gets to be part of that story.
To stay caught up on the newest Tuscaloosa food news, make sure to check out our other articles, like our guide to the BEST HIDDEN GEM restaurants in Tuscaloosa or our review of Fujiyama Japanese Seafood & Steakhouse!
