Metro Detroit: Novi’s Buddy’s Pizza
In 1936, Gus Guerra opened Buddy’s Rendezvous in Detroit, on Conant at 6 Mile. Originally is was a blind pig, since prohibition had just ended a couple years earlier. The “Detroit-Style Pizza” legacy began in 1946 when Gus Guerra and his team made their first square-shaped pizza.
They used square forged-steel pans, “borrowed” from local automotive plants that used them for holding automotive parts.
They were able to produce a pizza with a very light cheesy and crispy crust, which is now known as Detroit-Style Pizza. This was something that had never been done before and was the first known square pizza in the country. Now, more than 78 years later, the pizza style has become a national favorite to most people . . . unless you are from New York or Chicago.
What makes it a Detroit-style pizza? Detroit-Style Pizza is recognizable by its iconic square shape and crunchy, cheesy corner slices which was influenced by square Sicilian-style pizza. Buddy’s Detroit-Style Pizza is known for its unique layering structure which also makes for a nice presentation. Today, Buddy’s still uses the same traditional methods as well as its original pans, seasoned to maintain consistent taste, wiped clean, not washed, to retain the rich flavors in every bite.
To start, they double proof their dough which helps the dough perfectly fit to the pan.
They then layer the toppings in reverse of a traditional pizza, placing the toppings directly on the dough allowing the flavors to be absorbed into the crust.
They top it with a special blend of Wisconsin brick cheeses, specially made for Buddy’s
Lastly, they put wide stripes of sauce on top giving their pizza their unique look.
Gus sold his interest to his partners in 1953, who in turn sold it again in 1970, to Bill and Shirley Jacobs because “Shirlee really liked the pizza”. Their son Robert took over, and is responsible for their expansion which now includes 16 dine in restaurants as well as 6 carryout only locations. In 2019 it was sold once again to Capital Spring, a capital Investment firm which focuses primarily on the branded restaurant industry.
While Buddy’s has been creating their signature pizza for more than 78 years, the national trend is still growing.
It's not uncommon for fans across the nation to stop by the corner of Six Mile and Conant, which is still open today, to visit the place where it all began.
The decor and vibe of the Novi location is perfect! We couldn’t help wandering around to check everything out.
So, what ever happened to Gus? When he left his partners in 1953, he promised not to open within a 2 mile radius of the original location. He found a place on Gratiot in East Detroit (now known as Eastpoint) and opened The Cloverleaf Bar and Restaurant. It is still open today, serving Gus’s original Detroit style pizza but . . . that is a blog for another day.
We have established that Buddy’s is THE place to go for traditional Detroit-style pizza, but they do offer more than that. Besides pizza, which all have creative names like The Super 6 Mile or the Henry Ford, they also have soups, salads, burgers & sandwiches and a wide variety pf pasta dishes to choose from.
Their Happy Hour is from 2-5 PM and 8 PM to close Monday – Thursday. They offer:
½ off draft beer
½ off house wines
discounted eats
We had their loaded fries, potato wedges topped with bacon and cheese and served with ranch dressing. It was like potato skins, only way better! We also had their Buddy’s bread, which is served with ranch and marinara. Those with a couple of drinks and we were all set.
We also took home a ½ baked pizza to enjoy later which cooked up just like it would have cooked it in the store.
Buddy’s has 16 dine-in locations and 6 carryout only locations in the Metro Detroit vicinity, and I am certain more will follow. Most locations are open daily at 11 and close at 9PM, 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Until next time . . . live well, eat well and enjoy life!
-Keith & Teresa Becker