When Ben Biesenthal moved from Chicago to attend the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, he found himself missing one thing more than anything else: authentic deep-dish pizza. After graduating, that craving inspired a dream. Ben began experimenting with recipes that captured the flavors of his childhood—the buttery, flaky crust, the tangy tomato sauce, the ooey-gooey mozzarella cheese, and the authentic Italian meats that make Chicago pizza unforgettable.

That dream became a reality in July 2004, when Ben opened the first Gusano’s Chicago-Style Pizzeria in Little Rock. From the very beginning, Ben poured himself into the work, taking on every role in the restaurant—bartender, cook, busser, dishwasher—whatever it took to make the restaurant a success. His dedication paid off. Within a few years, Gusano’s had grown beyond its first store, and today there are seven locations across four states.

At Gusano’s, the deep-dish pizza is the star, but the menu doesn’t stop there. Guests can enjoy hearty sandwiches like the classic Italian Beef, fresh and flavorful salads like the Buffalo Chicken Salad, or crowd-pleasing appetizers like their signature pizza dip. Every pizza and dish is handmade from scratch and served to the customer’s specifications—a detail that has made Gusano’s a favorite destination for pizza lovers across the region.

Beyond the food, Gusano’s is known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere. With numerous flat-screen TVs, the restaurant has built a reputation as a premier sports bar—perfect for Razorback fans or anyone wanting to catch the big game. Families love it too. The restaurant is smoke-free, offers a dedicated kids’ menu, and keeps younger guests entertained with video games.

Ben’s restaurant journey didn’t stop with Gusano’s. He has also built and expanded other restaurant concepts that Northwest Arkansas residents know and love. He is the owner of Grub’s Bar & Grille, another staple of the local dining scene, and a partner in Tipsy Pig, a neighborhood favorite with its own loyal following.

Despite the growth of his businesses, Ben has stayed grounded in the place he calls home. A resident of Shadow Valley for 20 years, he has raised his family in the community and supported countless local causes along the way. His story is not just one of entrepreneurial success—it’s also about being an active neighbor and giving back to the community that has supported him from the very beginning.

When asked about what makes his restaurants thrive, Ben often points back to the same values that guided him when he opened Gusano’s more than 20 years ago: hard work, great food, and a focus on people. By creating restaurants that feel welcoming to everyone—whether you’re grabbing pizza with the kids, meeting friends for the game, or enjoying a night out—he has built something bigger than just a brand. He’s built traditions.

For anyone searching for authentic Chicago-style pizza without booking a flight to the Windy City, Gusano’s is the answer. And for the Shadow Valley community, it’s a point of pride to have its founder right here in the neighborhood.