Admirers of Chicago-style pizza have a new outlet closer than the Windy City itself for authentic Chi-town grub. D’Marco’s Pizzeria, owned by engineer and Chicago native Demarco Jenkins, celebrated its grand opening last Thursday, July 24.

After moving to Houston in 2012 and failing to find a pizzeria that measured up to Mama Rigetta’s (his favorite spot in Lansing, Illinois), Demarco tracked down the former owners of the now-closed pizzeria and expressed interest in purchasing their recipes. As the story has it, the couple wrote back and told him he could have their recipes for free. They even visited Houston to help him get started.

It is clear after trying the 12” South Side pizza (below, $15.50) topped with Italian sausage, mushrooms, green peppers and onions why Demarco missed his favorite pizza so much. Both the Italian sausage and buttery, airy crust are made in-house, making the pizza unique. Other pizza variations include a Hawaiian style, vegetarian, meat lover’s, barbecued chicken and more. You will also find appetizers, sandwiches, pasta dishes and desserts delivered from a local bakery.

Also distinguishing D’Marco’s from most Houston pizza places is its soda selection. A machine dispenses Maine Root sodas, a line of organic sodas originally developed in Maine and now made in Austin. I sipped on a soda similar to Dr Pepper and enjoyed it—it was not as filling or harsh as a regular soda.

As a first-time restaurant owner, Demarco is still sorting out kinks and hiring staff, but that does not show in the quality of his product. I will be returning for the high-quality ingredients that yield a one-of-a-kind pizza.

D’Marco’s Pizzeria, 11102 S. Highway 6, Suite 106, dmarcospizzeria.com