Sept. 09--800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizza, a fast-casual concept, is headed to Evanston next month.
The store, opening Oct. 9 at 812 Church St., will be the mini-chain's 10th location, along with seven in the Los Angeles area and two in Las Vegas.
800 Degrees is the creation of Anthony Carron, formerly corporate executive chef of the Michael Mina Restaurant Group, who is partnered with Umami Restaurant Group. The restaurant offers a variety of specialty pizzas, along with an assembly-line, create-your-own option, where customers can watch the dough being stretched and toppings applied.
"It's very authentic Neapolitan," Carron said. "We use double-zero flour from Naples, our tomatoes are from Naples, we use fresh mozzarella and parmigiana reggiano. It goes in a wood-fired oven and cooks in about 90 seconds. In terms of Chicago pizzas, Spacca Napoli is probably closest to what we do."
The restaurant will have "a cool selection" of tap beer and wines, said Carron; marble floors, chandeliers and natural materials will contribute to an upscale dine-in atmosphere, despite the fast-casual prices.
In addition to a Neapolitan crust, 800 Degrees offers crispy and gluten-free crusts.
"When we first opened in 2012, we sold four or five (gluten-free crusts) a day," Carron said. "Now we sell 50-60 a day."
800 Degrees is heading to Chicago, as well; the restaurant will be on the first floor of the under-construction MILA buiding (200 N. Michigan Ave.). Carron says he's hoping to open the Chicago store in July 2016.
Phil Vettel is a Tribune critic
