Bryan Pikorz said the owner of the building wants to do something different with the space, and will not renew their lease.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
|Updated Wed, Jan 8, 2025 at 10:56 pm CT
MIDLOTHIAN, IL — Midlothian favorite Hog Wild will close after just under three decades in business due to a lease dispute, its owner said Wednesday. He's hopeful they can find another space in the area to reopen.
The Original Hog Wild, located at 14933 S. Pulaski Rd. in Midlothian, will close February 1, owner Bryan Pikorz told Patch, after the building's landlord has declined to renew the business' lease.
"We explored every avenue possible to renegotiate," Pikorz told Patch.
"... Unfortunately we were slapped with this news last minute," he told fans.
Hog Wild was started by Steve Pikorz in 1995. Pikorz at the time owned a heating and cooling company before breaking into the barbecue business with the first location in Midlothian. Hog Wild has largely been a family-run business, with Pikorz's son Bryan and nephew Mike Pikorz playing roles in its operation at the first location. At the time of Pikorz's death in December 2021, plans had already begun plans to add locations. An Oak Lawn location opened in February 2022, shortly after Pikorz's death. Since Pikorz's passing, son Bryan has taken the reins at the Midlothian location.
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A New Lenox Hog Wild, located at 1300 N Cedar Rd., opened in December 2024. Owned by Richard Wagner and Carolina Munoz, both the Oak Lawn and New Lenox locations are staying open.
The Midlothian building is listed in a trust in the family’s name. Pikorz said he is not included in that trust, leading to his leasing the space from a relative. The relative has now decided not to renew the lease, and instead plans to open the same or similar business under a new name and different leadership, Pikorz said.
The news came suddenly, Pikorz said.
"In 1995 Steve had a vision," Pikorz shared on social media. "Open a restaurant that wasn’t just good food, but good food fast. He worked day in and day out making his vision a reality. From the first years with only a counter and three seats, to expanding and eventually taking over the whole building, it has been a mountain of success.
"We could not be any more grateful to the millions of customers we have served, your support to us is the only reason we have been able to stay open so long."
Pikorz went on to state that the business had not violated its lease in any way, and consistently paid its rent on time.
"... and business is just as good as it's ever been," Pikorz wrote. "Simply boiled down to the landlord wants to do something else with this building and there's nothing we can do about it."
The business is renowned for their barbecue—ribs, brisket, barbecue chicken—but also the giant pork chops. Hog Wild's menu featured more, including meatloaf and other comfort food many call their favorites, like chicken sandwiches, burgers, salads, and rib eye steak tacos weekly. It was their 'chops that put 'em on the map, though, he said. Appearances on WTTW's "Check, Please!" and Chicago's Best brought the brand newfound fame. Hog Wild is also known for large portions and low prices, something they strived to maintain during and after the pandemic. The Pikorz family also invested back into the Midlothian community, sponsoring children and adults sports teams through the Midlothian Park District.
Pikorz said he was grateful for the location's dedicated staff, some who have been there since the start.
"I want to thank the hundreds of employees throughout the years that helped Steve’s vision become a reality," Pikorz said. "Some of those from day one are still with us today. It is you that has created a family atmosphere to all our customers and the Hog Wild family."
Pikorz said they will search for a new location in the area in hopes of reopening as soon as possible.
"Every time a door closes, another one opens," Pikorz said. "You can still enjoy our food at our newest locations Hog Wild New Lenox, 1300 N Cedar Rd, and Hog Wild Oak Lawn, 4040 W 111th St.
"Thank you all for 29 great years, and look forward to seeing you all at our other Hog Wild locations," Pikorz wrote.
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