Buddy’s Pizza, the home of Detroit’s original square Sicilian-style pizza, has officially made its way to Shelby Township. More than 67 years of serving up a Motor City classic, owners of the beloved restaurant are pleased to open the 10th and largest location in the heart of Macomb County.
“This is an exciting time for us,” said Robert Jacobs, Buddy’s Pizza president. “We’ve spent decades perfecting and maintaining quality products and service, while remaining true to our Detroit roots and flavors. We’re excited to extend our reach into Shelby Township and share the taste of Buddy’s with the growing community.”
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Building on the popularity of Buddy’s longstanding Warren location and at the request of customers, the decision to open a restaurant in Shelby Township has been a collaborative effort. As a family-owned and operated restaurant, customers have become just as much a part of the Buddy’s family as its employees. The tradition of its pizzas, pastas, salads and more, now have another place to call home in Macomb County.
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“Over time our following has grown throughout Detroit and well into Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties,” said Wesley Pikula, Buddy’s Pizza vice president of operations. “While we remain faithful to our Detroit heritage and community, we’re offering a familiar taste of home in a brand new area.”
Leading the effort in Shelby Township is General Manager Matt Heckert. With almost 20 years on the Buddy’s team, Heckert has been responsible for developing new menu items and training new staff members. A former manager of Buddy’s Pizza locations in Warren, Livonia, Dearborn and Auburn Hills, he brings expertise and management talent to new territory.
In addition to the same great menu revered by Detroiters and fans across the country, patrons can expect to see familiar faces in Shelby Township. “We’re bringing in a variety of veteran staff members from our Detroit and Warren locations to help train our Shelby Township staff,” Heckert said. “We’ve hired over 100 new employees from within the Shelby community and it’s all hands on deck!”
All together the experienced staff assisting with the launch of Buddy’s Pizza in Shelby Township, represent more than 100 years of dedication and tenure with the company. Employees from across all ranks of staff - including Dennis Kot, general manager of Buddy’s original Detroit location and 38-year company veteran - have been assisting with the opening to ensure brand integrity is maintained through all Buddy’s quality products and service to customers.
At more than 8,000 square feet, the new Shelby Township restaurant is the largest of all Buddy’s Pizza locations. It will seat up to over 250 patrons in a main dining room with family-style seating; a banquet room to accommodate large parties; a closed patio with televisions; a prominent bar evoking Detroit’s industrial history; and an expanded carryout providing added convenience.
The new location, designed by Northville-based Martone Design Studio, pays tribute to Buddy’s heritage with vintage interior and exterior design elements, reminiscent of the original Buddy’s Pizza on the corner of Six Mile Road and Conant Street in Detroit. Described as “authentic retro, with modern scale,” the restaurant carries the spirit of Buddy’s and elements of its original 1946 design.
“Every metro Detroiter can identify with Buddy’s Pizza,” said Carmine Martone, owner and lead designer at Martone Design Studio. “I can remember going on my first few dates at Buddy’s Pizza in Detroit. It’s thrilling to have been part of this project, and to bring a bit of this Motor City classic to more people.”
Located at 45841 Hayes Road in Shelby Township, the restaurant is easily accessible from Hall Road and will be open for lunch and dinner starting this month. For more information, call the Shelby Township location at (586) 566-1233, or visit www.buddyspizza.com.
Temporary business hours will run Tuesday, Nov.12 through Sunday, Nov.24 as follows:
3-11 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday
3 p.m. to 12 a.m. Friday
11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Saturday
11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday
Regular business hours will begin Monday, Nov. 25 as follows:
11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday
11a.m. to 12 a.m. Friday through Saturday
11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday
