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Ever wondered where Detroit-Style Pizza started? In this episode, we sit down with Wesley Pikula, Chief Brand Officer of Buddy’s Pizza, to uncover the history, tradition, and expansion of this iconic Michigan staple. From its humble beginnings as a corner bar to becoming a nationally recognized pizza phenomenon, Buddy’s has maintained its commitment to quality, community, and of course, delicious, crispy-edged pizza. Wesley shares the history, the secret to their famous crust, and why Buddy’s continues to define Detroit-Style Pizza.
Links:
Guest: Wesley Pikula, Chief Brand Officer, Buddy’s Pizza
Website: Buddyspizza.com
Order Buddy’s Nationwide: GoldBelly
Follow Buddy’s Pizza on Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
Buddy’s Pizza: Home of Detroit Style Pizza
Buddy’s Pizza: The Birthplace of Detroit-Style Pizza
The story of Buddy’s Pizza is a tale of resilience, community, and the pursuit of perfection. Nestled in the heart of Detroit, this legendary pizzeria did more than serve up great food. It pioneered a new style of pizza, a square, thick-crusted masterpiece that would become known as Detroit-style pizza. For over 77 years, Buddy’s has been the gold standard for quality and tradition, setting the bar high while staying true to its roots.
The Humble Beginnings of Buddy’s Pizza
In 1946, a little bar on the corner of Six Mile and Conant in Detroit changed the pizza world forever. It wasn’t fancy. It wasn’t part of a grand vision. It was a local hangout called Buddy’s Rendezvous, a neighborhood tavern where regulars came for beer and conversation.
Gus Guerra, the owner, saw an opportunity. He wanted to serve something more than just drinks and bar snacks. He wanted pizza. But not just any pizza. Inspired by Sicilian traditions, he created something unique—something bold and unexpected. The pizza he and his team crafted had a light, airy dough, crispy cheese edges, and a thick, caramelized crust. It was unlike anything else.
The Secret Behind Detroit-Style Pizza
Detroit-style pizza is more than just its famous rectangular shape. It’s a story of ingenuity. At Buddy’s, they didn’t have traditional pizza pans. They turned to the local auto industry for a solution. Factories in Detroit used steel drip trays to catch oil and small parts. Someone had the idea to use these industrial trays as pizza pans. The result? A thick, crisp, and airy crust that could withstand the weight of rich tomato sauce and layers of Wisconsin brick cheese.
Unlike traditional pizzas, where sauce is spread first, Buddy’s flips the process. The dough is pressed into the steel pan. Then, pepperoni is layered directly onto the dough. Cheese comes next, pushed all the way to the edges, where it caramelizes against the hot pan. Finally, the sauce is ladled on top in streaks, locking in moisture and adding a rich, tangy bite.
It was different. It was bold. It was Detroit.
Winning Over Detroit
At first, Buddy’s was a local favorite. It was the kind of place where families gathered after work, where factory workers came in for a bite and a beer. But word spread fast. By 1970, Buddy’s entered a citywide pizza competition. The prize? The title of Best Pizza in Detroit. Buddy’s took first place.
That moment changed everything. Detroit embraced its hometown pizza. And over time, Buddy’s Pizza became synonymous with the city itself. The pizza was unlike anything you’d find in New York or Chicago. It had its own identity, just like the people of Detroit.
The Expansion and the Rise of a National Icon
For years, Buddy’s stayed true to its original location. It wasn’t about chasing expansion. It was about making sure every pizza was done right. But demand grew. In the 1980s, Buddy’s found itself serving pizza at the Republican National Convention in Detroit. Politicians, reporters, and media giants from across the country took their first bite of Buddy’s Pizza.
The reaction? Unforgettable.
From there, Buddy’s became bigger than just a neighborhood pizza joint. The Detroit Pistons, in their famous Bad Boy era, partnered with Buddy’s on promotions that had fans chanting the pizzeria’s name inside the Palace of Auburn Hills. The Lions followed suit. Soon, Buddy’s Pizza wasn’t just a local favorite; it was a part of Michigan culture.
Today, there are 22 Buddy’s Pizza locations across Michigan, each serving the same legendary pizza that started it all. But even as it grows, Buddy’s refuses to cut corners. The same dough recipe, the same steel pans, and the same commitment to quality remain at the heart of everything they do.
Buddy’s Pizza Goes Nationwide
As Buddy’s became an icon in Michigan, the demand spread beyond state lines. Detroit-style pizza was no longer a hidden gem. It was a movement. Restaurants across the country started making their own versions. Some stayed true to the original; others added their own twists. Even Pizza Hut and frozen pizza brands jumped on the trend, labeling their deep-dish offerings as Detroit-style.
But there’s only one Buddy’s.
For those who can’t make it to Michigan, Buddy’s offers nationwide shipping through GoldBelly. That means Detroit-style pizza can land on tables in California, Texas, or even New York. It’s no longer just Detroit’s secret. It belongs to the world.
What to Order at Buddy’s Pizza
If you’re visiting Buddy’s for the first time, there’s a right way to do it.
Start with an antipasto salad. Buddy’s isn’t just about pizza—their house-made vinaigrette is a Michigan legend. Aged for six to eight weeks, it’s the perfect balance of tangy and rich. Pair it with their famous four-square pepperoni pizza. The key? The pepperoni goes under the cheese, infusing the dough with its bold, spicy flavor.
Wash it down with a Buddy Brew, their custom-crafted beer made to complement the richness of the pizza. And if you have room, finish with a classic Sanders hot fudge sundae—an iconic Detroit dessert.
Buddy’s and the Spirit of Detroit
Buddy’s Pizza isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a piece of Detroit’s soul. It’s a reminder of what happens when craftsmanship meets passion. It’s proof that great food doesn’t come from cutting corners—it comes from tradition, from doing things the right way, no matter how long it takes.
As Detroit rises, so does Buddy’s. The city’s resilience is baked into every slice. And whether you eat it in a Michigan pizzeria or have it shipped across the country, you’re tasting more than just pizza.
You’re tasting history.
Want to experience the original Detroit-style pizza? Visit Buddyspizza.com to find a location near you or order nationwide shipping.
