Brian Tondryk never imagined his pizzeria would become famous for something other than its pizzas.
In West Town, Chicago, the neighborhood dogs started veering off course on their walks toward the same corner. There, at Bartoli’s Pizzeria, there’s a window that was created during the pandemic for takeout orders and now has a different purpose: handing out Milk-Bone biscuits to any dog that comes near. Nothing to order, nothing to pay, just a treat and a few seconds of attention.
Stacy Rozack, the manager of the place, was the one who started recording the line of wagging tails and snouts pressed against the glass, until those videos became a TikTok phenomenon. That’s where Juice appeared, a pit bull who arrives dressed for the occasion and howls as a greeting before the window opens.
Tondryk, grandson of Gino’s East’s co-founder, told USA Today that now hundreds of dogs stop by that spot in West Town every day. The pizza is still for humans, but that window already has owners: the neighborhood dogs.
@pizzadoggietreats Everyone have a great day! It’s Tuesday!!! Come grab a slice or grab a whole pie!! We have an amazing Chicago Classic and oh yea the spicy Deep Dish Diavolo so delicious! Add @Mike’s Hot Honey to any pie or slice! @Barstool Sports @DogsOf TikTok @FoodWithFoxcito I know your coming for this pizza!! I know you are!! Manifest it Ms.Stacy #foryoupage #doggiewindow #pizza #bartoli #dogsoftiktok #mikeshothoney #bartoli #goodboi #frenchiesoftiktok #frenc ♬ original sound – Bartolis Doggie Window 🐶🍕