Jet's Pizza to Open Second City Location at Kimball and Irving Park

IRVING PARK — Having gained a toehold in Lakeview, Michigan-based Jet's Pizza is continuing its expansion into Chicago with a second franchise announced for Irving Park, coming soon to 3951 N. Kimball Ave.

Bryan Gilbert and Dan O'Donohue, who both recently left their jobs in corporate sales, are partners in the venture along with their wives Jennifer Gilbert and Erin O'Donohue.

"We're finishing the blueprints, the lease is signed," said Bryan Gilbert. "Really, all we're waiting on is permits."

Founded in 1978 in suburban Detroit by brothers Eugene and John Jetts, Jet's has grown to more than 300 locations nationwide largely on the strength of transplanted Michiganders' love for its deep-dish square pizza.

"My friend's wife is from Michigan and she's been talking about it for a long time," said Gilbert.

When Jet's opened in Lakeview, "We went and bought $200 worth of pizza," he said.

Gilbert describes Jet's as "much better than Little Caesars or Domino's" and "cheaper than Giordano's."

"For $20 you can feed a family of four," he said. "It's a great niche. We think it's a fantastic brand."

Where most franchises are fairly plug-and-play, Gilbert said Jet's has given him and O'Donohue a lot of flexibility.

The two had an idea for a new pizza topped with giardiniera and Jet's brought it to market for them.

"They're very receptive," he said.

In choosing a location for their franchise, Gilbert said he and O'Donohue, who both live in Wicker Park, "drove around a lot" and ultimately were drawn to Irving Park's family vibe.

"We loved the neighborhood," he said. "There were a lot of houses, a lot more families."

Gilbert and Donohue both plan on being a constant presence at the restaurant and in the community, he said.

"One of us can be in the store and one can be out in the community and in the schools" be it sponsorships or participating in neighborhood events, said Gilbert. "We want to be involved as much as possible."