Buddy's announces plans to take Detroit-style pizza national

Detroit-style pizza maker Buddy's Pizza announced today that it plans to expand with more locations in Michigan and throughout the Midwest region.

The company invented the Detroit-style pizza at its McNichols and Conant roads location that opened in Detroit in 1946. Detroit-style pies are square, deep dish, and were originally prepared in repurposed blue steel factory trays that were used to store parts. Each pie gets a heavy portion of Wisconsin brick cheese that's melted to its edges, forming a thin ring of caramelized cheese around the focaccia-like crust.

The style began receiving national attention in recent years, and Detroit-style pizzerias opened in Austin, New York City, Pittsburgh, and other big cities.

Buddy's is partnering with New York-based investment firm CapitalSpring to grow the brand.

“This partnership is a significant opportunity for us to introduce Buddy’s iconic pizza, rich culture and community roots to new customers in Detroit and beyond,” said Robert Jacobs, CEO of Buddy’s in a press release. “We are extremely excited for this new chapter and to have found a partner that can not only maintain our commitment to quality food and an exceptional guest experience, but also offer substantial restaurant expertise.”