The new location will be under the same ownership as those in New Lenox and Oak Lawn, the owner said.
MIDLOTHIAN, IL — Months after shuttering its flagship Midlothian location amid a lease dispute, The Original Hog Wild this week announced it would soon open another, but not back in the same town.
Owner Bryan Pikorz on Monday said that a third location will soon open at 2307 Cicero Ave. in Cicero, with Oak Lawn and New Lenox Hog Wild franchise owners Rich Wagner and Carolina Munoz leading it.
The Original Hog Wild, located at 14933 S. Pulaski Road in Midlothian, closed on Feb. 1, 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 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. 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 will feature 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.
Additional information on an opening date for the new location wasn’t immediately available Monday.
Hog Wild locations currently open include: