Pizza D.O.C., a Sister's Biz

A Lincoln Square pizzeria benefits from German influence

In the corner of Lincoln Square’s well-known eating establishment Pizza D.O.C. sits a round table with eight seats. Above it a sign reads Stammtisch, a German word meaning the family table. On any given night, this table is reserved for relatives, loved ones and regulars who might just stop in for a meal. 


Yet, rest assured this table will never sit empty if owners Diana Himmel-Krewer and Carol Himmel have anything to say about it. Ever since taking ownership of the restaurant in 2007, these sisters have had the shared goal of offering delectable Italian food with a German flair, and making everyone who walks in its doors feel like family…and worthy of sitting at the family table.


As with any sisters, the pair has their share of similarities and differences. But perhaps the trait that binds them the most is the love they share for their parents, a couple married 55 years who came to Chicago from Germany in 1958. “Our parents came over on the boat with $116 in their pocket,” explains Ms. Himmel. “They couldn’t speak English well, and traveled with one trunk that held all of their possessions. When they arrived in the states they were told that the trunk couldn’t leave the dock and be put on a streetcar without paying a fee of $100.” 


“They had $16 to their name,” adds Ms. Himmel-Krewer, tearing up. “Here they were in the land of opportunity, but they were left to work for every penny. They taught us so much about work ethic.” 


Throughout their childhood, the family moved back and forth from Germany to the U.S. many times. But home was wherever the two could find their mom cooking in the kitchen. “My mom always has loved cooking German food, and because of her, I’m pretty sure I can cut the thinnest mushroom in Chicago,” laughs Ms. Himmel, who has also served as the director of the German American Children’s Choir of Chicago for the past 31 years. “She did nothing by the recipe, but she loved to have open houses and entertain. There was always enough food.”


And no matter where they were, sitting down at the table for dinner with the family was always a requirement. “No matter what happened during the day, we knew we would end each and every day sitting across from one another eating dinner together,” adds Ms. Himmel-Krewer.


As they grew older, both sisters pursued divergent paths; Ms. Himmel-Krewer would go on to become an international competitive figure skater and coach, while her sister decided to work alongside their father at the family’s auto shop in Niles. Yet, their love for cooking never left them. And when the opportunity came up to take over Pizza D.O.C., the answer was simple.


“I remember calling Diana and going into what the opportunity was and why we should take it and so on and so on,” recalls Ms. Himmel. “There was silence for a minute or two. And I just heard her say, ‘Yes’. We were on our way.”


While the restaurant is known for its Italian specialties and one of Chicago’s first wood burning brick ovens, German influences are present, such as the custom-made German ceiling lamps to the full stock of German beers behind the bar. And patrons say they can’t get enough of the sister’s home-made German entrees such as schnitzel, dumplings and German potato salad. 


Family also remains central to the success of the much loved restaurant, with Ms. Himmel-Krewer’s three kids often helping out with everything from bartending to serving. And of course, the sister’s parents come in from time to time, whether just to check in or watch as both of their daughter’s dreams come true in front of their own eyes.


“Our father built the bar from scratch and is always in here looking for something to fix,” says Ms. Himmel. “Mom loves to pass out stuffed animals to the children who come here with their families for dinner. They both have never been shy to tell us what they think. Our mom has no problem pointing to a table of patrons who might need some extra attention. Having them here to share in all of this is really special.”

Tagged as: Pizza D.O.C, dining, restaurant and women business owners