Hog Wild to open Monday in Oak Lawn

By Kelly White

Dining choices will get a boost in Oak Lawn with the arrival of Hog Wild.

The restaurant is scheduled to open Monday, January 17, at 4040 W. 111th St. That’s a week later than originally scheduled.

“We are very fortunate here in Oak Lawn to have attracted Hog Wild,” Oak Lawn Mayor Terry Vorderer said. “I know many communities over the past few years that have express their desire for such a franchise and such a restaurant; and, I’m proud to say that it’s here in Oak Lawn. I’m thrilled to death about it.”

This marks the third location for the popular Midlothian pork restaurant at 14933 Pulaski Road. There is a Hog Wild Express location inside the Gas N Wash gas station at 19990 S. LaGrange Road in Mokena.

The Oak Lawn restaurant will offer both indoor dining and delivery.

“Hog Wild has created a reputation that’s unique,” Vorderer said. “We are fortunate to have them choose Oak Lawn for their restaurant and I am sure they will do very well.”

Oak Lawn franchise owner Richard Wagner said he was very happy to be in the Oak Lawn community and also feels the business will be very successful.

“We like the fact that it’s so close to the city and so easily accessible,” Wagner said. “There is also plenty of parking, with more than 200 spots available within the retail center where we are located.”

Having grown up on Chicago’s Southwest Side, Wagner said the Oak Lawn franchise is seated right at the heart of his roots.

“I come from a family of police officers and firefighters,” Wagner said. “I have family in Mt. Greenwood, which is right down the street. My grandparents are buried at St. Casmir Cemetery. This is where I’m from and this is who I am. I couldn’t think of a better location for this restaurant. It feels like home.”

The Original Hog Wild opened in Midlothian 26 years ago and has been voted as having the best pork chops in Chicago and voted the number one barbecue sauce in Illinois. It has also been featured on several television shows, including: “Chicago’s Best,” “190 North,” “Check Please,” CLTV, ABC7, “Windy City Live,” WGN and CBS.

Sadly, the owner of the Midlothian location, Steve Pikorz, passed away suddenly two weeks ago at the age of 56. Pikorz, of Midlothian, ran the restaurant for three decades. The restaurant stayed in his family and is being operated by Pikorz’s older brother.

Pikorz’s son, Bryan, runs the Hog Wild Express in Mokena.

Famous for its pork dishes, all Hog Wild locations offer a variety of chicken entrees, a much-loved pot roast and more.

“Some of our most popular items are the pork chop, the ribeye steak sandwich, the cowboy ribeye and the smoked brisket,” Wagner said.

There is also a lengthy kids’ menu, salads, shrimp options, plenty of side dishes, desserts, and more.

Construction on the 3,500-square-foot Oak Lawn franchise began in July of 2020.

“There were no existing conditions; everything you see is newly designed,” Wagner said.

Wagner is also adding on a 2,000-square-foot private party room that will be able to hold business luncheons, wedding and baby showers, birthday parties and more.