By Mark Ambrogi
With his Chicago roots, Bob Jaeger wanted to bring authentic deep-deep dish pizza and Italian beef to Indianapolis.
He did so with South of Chicago Pizza & Beef to Indianapolis (619 Virginia Ave.) three years ago. Last year, Jaeger and Phil Lothamer brought the concept to Fishers. Lothamer is the majority owner of both restaurants and Jaeger serves as founder and a co-owner.
South of Chicago Pizza & Beef will mark its first anniversary at 13578 East 131st St., on Jan. 28. The restaurant is in the Saxony mixed-used development off Olio Road.
“Our pizza is definitely by far and away the best pizza in Indy,” said Tony Panepinto, a Noblesville resident who is general manager of the Fishers restaurant.
Fishers was the perfect place for the second South of Chicago Pizza & Beef, Panepinto said.
“We’re doing phenomenal business,” Panepinto said. “Fishers is growing and the economical development plan for this area is huge.offer Chicago style Italian beef and pizza. The town of Fishers and the community have been wonderful.”
Panepinto is familiar with Chicago specialities as he grew up in Northwest Indiana
The restaurant offers a full bar and a selection of craft beers. Panepinto said there are plans for some specials to mark its first anniversary but nothing is set yet.
There is buffet, featuring thin and deep dish pizza, on Monday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The cost is $10.50, including tax and a drink.
The Gonnella French bread the restaurant uses is shipped from Chicago daily.
“Most our ingredients originate from Chicago as well,” Panepinto said.
The Indianapolis restaurant is on 619 Virginia Ave.
Panepinto was in the restaurant business in college and was working in construction management before taking the South of Chicago job.
The restaurant is open from Sunday from Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The bar is open until midnight through the week and 1 a.m. on weekends.
