Buddy's Pizza

American restaurant chain known for Detroit-style pizza

Buddy's Pizza Original Logo

Buddy's Pizza is a renowned American restaurant chain that originated in Detroit, Michigan. It is widely credited with the creation of the Detroit-style pizza, a unique type of pizza known for its square shape, thick crust, and crispy edges. Buddy's Pizza has become a staple in the Detroit area and has expanded to multiple locations across Michigan.

History

Buddy's Pizza was founded in 1946 by Gus Guerra and Concetta "Connie" Piccinato. The original location was a neighborhood tavern called Buddy's Rendezvous, located at the corner of Six Mile Road and Conant Street in Detroit. The couple transformed the tavern into a pizzeria, introducing a new style of pizza that would become iconic.

The inspiration for Detroit-style pizza came from the Sicilian recipes of Guerra's family. The pizza was baked in square blue steel pans, originally used for holding small parts in automotive factories, which gave the pizza its distinctive shape and texture. The thick, airy crust, topped with a blend of cheeses and a rich tomato sauce, quickly gained popularity among locals.

Expansion

Over the years, Buddy's Pizza expanded beyond its original location. The chain now operates several locations throughout Michigan, including restaurants in Livonia, Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Grand Rapids, Michigan. Each location maintains the tradition of serving authentic Detroit-style pizza, while also offering a variety of other Italian-American dishes.

Buddy's Pizza restaurant in Livonia, Michigan

Menu

The menu at Buddy's Pizza features a wide range of options, with the Detroit-style pizza being the highlight. The pizza is characterized by its thick, chewy crust, which is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The cheese is spread to the edges of the pan, creating a caramelized crust that is a signature of the style.

In addition to their famous pizza, Buddy's offers a selection of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes. Popular items include the antipasto salad, Buddy's meatballs, and the chicken parmesan sandwich. The restaurant also caters to dietary preferences with gluten-free and vegetarian options.

Cultural Impact

Buddy's Pizza has played a significant role in popularizing Detroit-style pizza beyond the local area. The style has gained national recognition, with many pizzerias across the United States adopting similar techniques and recipes. Buddy's has been featured in various food and travel publications, highlighting its contribution to American culinary culture.

Related pages

• Detroit-style pizza
• Pizza in the United States
• List of pizza chains of the United States