Robert Maleski to Open Jake's Place in North Center

The new restaurant will replace the former Armand's Pizzeria site at 4159 N. Western Ave. this December.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Dining Out

Bold vector editorial illustration of raw pizza dough rounds on a metal rack, representing a new Chicago restaurant opening. — Restaurateur Robert Maleski plans to open his new concept, Jake's Place, in Chicago's North Center neighborhood this December. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Would you try a new thin-crust pizza spot opened by a known local pan-pizza maker?

Restaurateur Robert Maleski is set to debut his new concept, Jake's Place, in Chicago's North Center neighborhood in early December 2026. The eatery will occupy the space at 4159 N. Western Ave. that was previously home to Armand's Pizzeria.

Why it matters

Maleski, the founder of Milly's Pizza in The Pan, is launching this new venture to challenge his skills in thin-crust pizza preparation. He intends to explore new culinary styles through a focused menu that emphasizes a unique baking process.

Jake's Place will operate Wednesday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. The menu will feature five or six distinct pizza options prepared using a vintage Faulds rotating oven.

The players

Robert Maleski

He is a Chicago-based restaurateur known for founding Milly's Pizza in The Pan and is the proprietor of the upcoming Jake's Place.

Armand's Pizzeria

This established pizza brand operated at the 4159 N. Western Ave. location before closing its doors in the summer of 2025.

The details

The restaurant distinguishes its product by cold-curing dough in a refrigerator to remove moisture before baking it in a rotating Faulds oven, a technology patented in the 1930s. This approach marks a shift from Maleski's previous experience with pan pizza, which he has focused on since founding his first shop in 2020.

John Faulds patented his rotating pizza oven in the 1930s.
Robert Maleski founded Milly's Pizza in The Pan in 2020.
Armand's Pizzeria closed at the current location in the summer of 2025.
Jake's Place is expected to open in December 2026.

Culture Shift

The adoption of this specific vintage technology marks a departure from modern, high-speed convection baking standards common in the current Chicago pizza market. By relying on a Faulds rotating oven, the restaurant highlights a growing interest in artisanal, slow-cooking methods over industrial efficiency.

Residents of the North Center neighborhood can expect the new establishment to be open for dinner service five days a week. With a limited menu of five or six items, diners should plan for a specialized experience focused on thin-crust pizza.

The takeaway

This restaurant launch highlights the trend of experienced chefs using traditional, legacy equipment to innovate within the saturated Chicago pizza market. Locals can anticipate a specialized menu that prioritizes specific dough preparation and slow-cooking techniques over variety.