Billy Bricks Pizza is officially headed to downtown Oswego, with the company and village officials confirming this spring that the family-owned chain has signed a lease for the vacant storefront at 5 S. Madison Street. The roughly 1,800-square-foot space is in line for a substantial renovation, and both company representatives and village staff say they expect the shop to open later this year, though no firm date is on the books yet.
Lease Announced by Village Officials
Oswego Village President Ryan Kauffman broke the news on his official Facebook page, noting the pizzeria will sit next to Freddie’s Off the Chain near Jefferson Street and across from the public library. The lease and renovation plans were detailed by Shaw Local, which reported that Economic Development Director Kevin Leighty expects permit documents to be submitted soon ahead of a major buildout. Village officials say the age and layout of the storefront mean the project will require a careful interior overhaul before any pies hit the oven.
What the Chain Brings
Billy Bricks traces its roots to a 2005 concept launched in Lombard and has grown over the last two decades into a network of suburban pizzerias, mobile brick-oven trucks and related spinoffs. The group, which on its own site bills itself as an Illinois original with Neapolitan and New Haven inspiration, now operates multiple brands across Chicagoland. Menus typically feature pies like BBQ chicken & gouda, classic margherita and veggie options, with gluten-free crusts available. That background, along with confirmation of the Oswego lease, was laid out by WhatNow.
Pizza and Ice Cream Under One Roof
The Billy Bricks group has been expanding beyond straight-up pizzerias, bringing its Moo Joe’s ice cream brand into brick-and-mortar locations after years of working festivals and events. Coverage of an Evanston location by a Central Street “sweet twofer” noted the team is leaning on its truck-and-events business to seed storefronts. Oswego diners can likely expect a similar pairing of wood-fired pizzas and scoop-shop treats when the new spot opens.
Timeline and Downtown Impact
Village officials and local reporting indicate the lease was finalized recently, and the landlord and Billy Bricks are now preparing permit plans before renovation work begins. Patch reported the downtown space totals about 1,800 square feet, with village leaders aiming for an opening "later this year" as construction moves forward. As WhatNow noted, CEO Ric Gruber has not announced a firm opening date while the company finalizes its buildout timeline.
