Phantom Gourmet: Pizzeria Uno's Boston Roots

BOSTON (CBS) – Pizza may have been invented in Italy. But deep dish pizza is an American creation, thanks to UNO's.

With over 140 restaurants across the country and around the world, UNO's history is as deep as their signature dish, as President and CEO Louie Psallidas explains.

"The history of UNO's is we started in 1943 in Chicago, we invented deep dish pizza. We're the undisputed inventor of deep dish pizza," said Psallidas.

"So fast forward to the late 70's, Aaron Spencer of Boston was a Kentucky Fried Chicken franchisee goes to Chicago, for a convention, they serve a Boston guy deep dish pizza, he falls in love with it. And literally hounds the founder Ike Sewell to sell him the business. Ike finally franchises it to him and Aaron opened in 1980 on Boylston Street. That store is still there today."

But not everyone knows about the restaurant's roots.

"Everyone usually thinks of us as a Chicago-based company, when I say no, we're Boston based, we were founded really by a Boston guy, people are surprised by that," Psallidas clarifies.

UNO's Executive Chef Andrew Fuehr says he strives to make every pie just as legendary as the Chicago original.

"We hand-stretch the dough each day, bake it into the pans and build to order. So every bite is just filled with cheesy, meaty goodness. And that's how I would describe it," said Fuehr.

Beyond pizza, UNO's new menu includes all kind of upgraded appetizers like nachos, onion rings, and hand-breaded zucchini chips.

You can get a half pound burger topped with fresh-made guacmole, a wild mushroom flatbread, or a slice of chocolate cake that covers an entire plate.

And along with a new atmosphere, and re-designed bars with a selelction of local craft beers, UNO's deep dish still dominates.

"It's irresistible. Once you get it in your mouth, I think you're hooked," declares Psallidas.

Watch Phantom Gourmet on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 and 11 a.m. on myTV38.