BRIDGEPORT — Chicagoans have been known to make pilgrimages for Royal Pies, the signature dish at Bridgeport's Pleasant House Bakery.
But the restaurant's latest promotion, a tie-in with Thursday's World Cup U.S. vs. Germany match, takes the cultish devotion to a whole new level.
Guests who show up with the restaurant's handsome Royal Pie logo buzzed into their hair Thursday will get a free savory pie of their choice.
Casey Cora reveals just how many free pies he would need before buzzing a logo into his hair:
"We've definitely had people inquiring on Twitter and coordinating when they're going to do it. It's just a matter of confirming it. We'll have maybe a couple employees, too, and Art [Jackson] is going to do it," said Pleasant House co-owner and Jackson's wife, Chelsea Kalberloh Jackson, who said her red locks are safe for now.
"I was asked if I'd do it. I said no, but you never know."
The promotion is a nod to the eccentric hairstyles sported by players in the World Cup, including the much-hyped the zig-zag shape of Portuguese star forward Cristiano Ronaldo, the intimidating mohawk stripe of Italy's Mario Balotelli and the funky dreadlocks of American midfielder Kyle Beckerman.
The Jacksons have long been soccer fans — patrons can buy Royal Pie soccer jerseys and catch some of the World Cup matches shown at the restaurant, 964 W. 31st St., including Thursday's match, which begins at 11 a.m.
Kalberloh Jackson said anyone interested can visit Floyd's Barbershop 99 on the Near West Wide, where the barbers are capable of clipping the custom coiffure.
Can't commit to the haircut? A Royal Pie will set you back $7.95.
