Marcus Rivera
Co-Founder & CEO
A hospitality industry veteran with 15+ years of experience, Marcus drives Mod Pizza's strategic vision and culture. He believes great food starts with great people.
5+
Years in Business
50K+
Pizzas Served
30+
Menu Toppings
4.8
Customer Rating
2019
Founded
Our Story
From a Dream Kitchen
to Downers Grove's Favorite Spot
Mod Pizza was born from a simple but powerful idea: everyone deserves a pizza made exactly the way they want it, with fresh ingredients, served fast, and at a price that makes sense. What started as a passion project between two food-obsessed friends quickly grew into something the community truly embraced.
We opened our doors at 1022 Ogden Ave in 2019, and from day one our mission was clear — put the customer in control. Choose your size, pick your sauce, load up your toppings, and watch your masterpiece go from prep to oven in minutes. No compromises. No upcharges on toppings. Just great pizza, your way.
Today, we're proud to be a staple in the Downers Grove community, serving families, students, office teams, and pizza lovers of all kinds — from quick weeknight dinners to large catered events.
- Fresh, never frozen ingredients
- Unlimited toppings, one price
- Pizza ready in under 10 minutes
- Gluten-free & vegan options
- Locally sourced when possible
- Catering for any group size
What Drives Us
Our Core Values
Every decision we make, every pizza we craft, is guided by the principles that define who we are.
Fresh Always
We use real, high-quality ingredients — never frozen, never artificial. From our dough to our toppings, freshness is non-negotiable.
Community First
We're more than a pizza place — we're a gathering spot. We actively give back to our local community through events and partnerships.
Made with Love
Every pizza is crafted with care. Our team takes pride in each order, treating every customer's meal as if it were made for family.
Radical Inclusion
Pizza is for everyone. We welcome all diets, preferences, and backgrounds. Gluten-free, vegan, or classic — we've got you covered.
How We Got Here
Our Journey
Every great story has a beginning. Here's how Mod Pizza grew from a spark of an idea into a beloved local institution.
2018
The Idea Takes Shape
Co-founders Marcus Rivera and Dana Chen shared a vision over a homemade pizza dinner — build a place where customers call every shot. Months of recipe testing, market research, and late nights began.
2019
Grand Opening on Ogden Ave
We opened our doors at 1022 Ogden Ave, Downers Grove. The first weekend saw lines out the door and a community response that exceeded all expectations. We served over 400 pizzas in our opening week.
2020
Adapting & Thriving
Facing global challenges, we pivoted quickly to a full contactless ordering and curbside pickup system. Our community support during this period was humbling and reinforced why we do what we do.
2021
Catering Program Launch
We launched our full-service catering program, bringing the Mod experience to corporate events, weddings, school fundraisers, and private parties across the Chicagoland area.
2023
Menu Expansion & Renovation
We refreshed our space with a modern dining room renovation and expanded our menu with new specialty pizzas, seasonal salads, desserts, and an extended craft beverage selection.
2024–2025
Franchise Program & Future Growth
With a proven model and passionate team, Mod Pizza officially launched its franchise program, opening the door for like-minded entrepreneurs to bring the Mod experience to new neighborhoods.
The People Behind the Pizza
Meet Our Team
Our team is our secret ingredient. Passionate, experienced, and dedicated to delivering an extraordinary experience every single day.
Dana Chen
Co-Founder & Head Chef
A culinary school graduate and recipe innovator, Dana is the creative force behind every sauce, dough, and topping combination on our menu. Pizza is her art form.
James Kowalski
Operations Manager
James keeps everything running like a well-oiled machine. From supply chain to shift scheduling, his meticulous attention to detail ensures every order comes out perfect.
Priya Nair
Customer Experience Lead
Priya is the reason our guests come back again and again. She leads our front-of-house team with warmth and professionalism, ensuring every visit feels like home.
Ready to Experience the Mod Difference?
Join thousands of happy customers who've made Mod Pizza their go-to. Your perfect pizza is waiting.