The Original Hog Wild's New Location Now Open

CICERO, IL — A little more than a year after shuttering its flagship Midlothian location, The Original Hog Wild has opened another, this time in Cicero.

Owner Bryan Pikorz said that a third location opened Wednesday, at 2307 Cicero Ave., with Oak Lawn and New Lenox Hog Wild franchise owners Rich Wagner and Carolina Munoz leading it. Pikorz originally originally announced the anticipated new location in October 2025.

The Original Hog Wild, located at 14933 S. Pulaski Road in Midlothian, closed in February 2025.

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 playing a role in its operation at the first location. At the time of Pikorz's death in December 2021, plans had already begun to add locations. An Oak Lawn location opened in February 2022, shortly after Pikorz's death. After his passing, son Bryan took the reins at the Midlothian location.

A New Lenox Hog Wild, located at 1300 N. Cedar Road, opened in December 2024. Wagner and Munoz own both the New Lenox and Oak Lawn locations. Both have remained open since the closing of the Midlothian location.

The Cicero location features a longtime cook from the Midlothian kitchen, Pikorz said.

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 Cicero location is open 7 days a week, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Hog Wild locations include:

• Hog Wild Cicero, 2307 Cicero Ave.
• Hog Wild New Lenox, 1300 N Cedar Road
• Hog Wild Oak Lawn, 4040 W 111th St.