Marco Deluca
Co-Founder & Head Chef
Trained in Naples and Chicago, Marco brings 20+ years of artisan pizza craft to every pie. His wood-fired technique is the soul of Mod Pizza.
Our Story
Made with Love & Passion
From a small family kitchen in Machesney Park to your table — we've been crafting unforgettable artisan pizzas since 2010.
15+
Years of Craft
50K+
Happy Guests
Who We Are
A Family Recipe Turned Into a Community Favorite
Mod Pizza was born from a simple belief: everyone deserves a pizza that's truly their own. Founded in 2010 by Marco and Elena Deluca, our story began in a modest kitchen in Machesney Park, Illinois — with nothing more than a wood-fired oven, generations-old family recipes, and an unshakeable passion for great food.
What started as a neighborhood staple quickly grew into a beloved destination for pizza lovers across the region. Today, we serve thousands of guests every month while staying true to our roots: fresh dough made daily, premium toppings sourced locally, and every pizza crafted individually with care.
- Dough made fresh every morning — never pre-made, never frozen.
- Locally sourced ingredients from trusted Illinois farms and suppliers.
- Customizable for every diet — vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free options available.
- Community-focused — we give back to local schools and charities each year.
15+
Years in Business
50K+
Happy Customers
40+
Menu Items
4.9
Average Rating
Our Purpose
Mission, Vision & Values
Everything we do is guided by a set of principles that put people — our guests, our team, and our community — first.
Our Mission
To serve the most delicious, personalized pizzas made from the freshest ingredients, delivered with genuine warmth and hospitality to every guest, every time.
Our Vision
To be the most loved pizza destination in Illinois — a place where food brings people together and every meal feels like a celebration of flavor and community.
Integrity First
We use only honest ingredients — real tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, hand-rolled dough. No shortcuts, no artificial flavors. What you see is exactly what you get.
Community Love
We are proud to be part of Machesney Park. We support local farmers, sponsor community events, and treat every guest like a neighbor — because they are.
Our Journey
A Decade & Half of Great Pizza
From a single oven to a thriving community staple — here's how we got here.
2010
The First Slice
Marco and Elena Deluca open the doors of Mod Pizza at 1419 West Lane Rd with one wood-fired oven, family recipes, and a dream to share great pizza with Machesney Park.
2012
Community Recognition
Voted "Best New Restaurant" by the Rockford Register Star. Our signature Inferno pie and Margherita Classica become local legends. Weekends are fully booked.
2014
Menu Expansion
We introduce our full menu — pastas, salads, calzones, and desserts — alongside our growing pizza selection. Catering services launch for local events and corporate clients.
2017
Kitchen Renovation
A full kitchen expansion doubles our capacity. We add a second oven and a dedicated prep station, enabling faster service without ever compromising quality or freshness.
2020
Going Digital
Launched online ordering and a new delivery program to serve our loyal customers at home. Despite challenges, we kept our team fully employed and our community fed.
2023
50,000 Guests Served
We celebrated a major milestone: 50,000 happy customers. Introduced our loyalty program and began exploring franchise opportunities to bring Mod Pizza to new communities.
Today
Still Growing, Still Passionate
More than 15 years in, we're still hand-rolling dough every morning and treating every pizza like our first. The best chapter of the Mod Pizza story is still being written.
The People Behind the Pizza
Meet Our Team
Our passionate crew shows up every day with one goal: to make your pizza experience unforgettable.
Elena Deluca
Co-Founder & Operations
Elena keeps the heart of Mod Pizza beating. Her keen eye for quality, hospitality, and community relationships has shaped our culture from day one.
Jordan Rivera
Senior Pizzaiolo
Jordan joined us in 2015 and mastered the art of dough from Marco himself. His creative specials keep regulars coming back to discover something new each visit.
Priya Nair
Catering Manager
Priya orchestrates every catering event with precision and joy. From intimate family gatherings to large corporate lunches, she ensures every guest is wowed.
Want to join our team? We're always looking for passionate food lovers.
Get In Touch