Jimano’s is a mini-chain based out of suburban Chicago; they started in 1997, have about a dozen locations and have started franchising. Their first Denver, CO location was named the best pizza in the city by a local television station after only four months of operation. They have the requisite Chicago accompaniments on the menu, including Italian beef and other sandwiches, hot appetizers, salads, ribs, and pasta. They offer both dine in and delivery, catering, and most locations offer online ordering. They have their own app to facility your order.
They state that they have a commitment to using the highest quality ingredients. They offer a daily special which is quite economical – for instance on Monday you can get a 16″ pie with up to five toppings for $16.99, and that can result in a savings of 25% or more.
I took advantage of the Monday special, stopped in a store, ordered, and waited 10 minutes or so for the pie to be done. The store employs a ‘carousel’ type oven, which I had heard of, but not seen. With multiple decks revolving like a ferris wheel, running off gas or electricity, carousels let you pack a whole lot of baking capacity into a small footprint.
Jimano’s thin crust pie was great. The cracker thin crust has a hint of cornmeal, the pork sausage was very flavorful, the sauce was not overpowering, and the cheese in a unique blend. A heavy dose of herbs finishes off the pie.
If I lived in the Chicago area, Jimano’s would be one of my regular go-to pizzas, for sure. Locator. Menu below (click on for larger image).
Thin Crust Sausage & Olive
Exterior – Fox River Grover, Illinois
Jimanos Pizza Review