- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- AmericanFast FoodFood
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every June 23
- Holiday emoji:
- 🍕
National Detroit Style Pizza Day, celebrated every June 23, recognizes the iconic square-cut pizza with its thick, airy crust and caramelized cheese edges. This day invites pizza lovers to explore the unique history and delicious variations of this Motor City original. Gather friends and family to enjoy a slice, try a new recipe, or visit your favorite pizzeria.
Want to sponsor National Detroit Style Pizza Day? Learn how
Expected National Detroit Style Pizza Day Deals
While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that National Detroit Style Pizza Day often brings irresistible deals from pizzerias nationwide. Expect chains like Jet’s Pizza and Buddy’s Pizza, the originator, to offer discounts on their signature square pies. Many local pizzerias, including Via 313 and Emmy Squared, are also likely to feature special pricing or limited-time menu items. Look out for BOGO offers, combo deals, and exclusive online coupons from your favorite local spots. Even grocery stores like Kroger or specialty food retailers might highlight frozen Detroit-style options. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as June 23 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Detroit Style Pizza Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #DetroitStylePizzaDay. Share mouth-watering photos of your favorite square slices, from classic pepperoni to gourmet toppings, and ask followers for their top Detroit-style spots.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #DetroitStylePizzaDay. Film a short video reviewing a local Detroit-style pizza joint, or create a fun ‘how-to’ guide for making the perfect crispy-edged crust at home.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #DetroitStylePizzaDay. Share a poll asking your community about their go-to Detroit-style toppings or post a link to a local pizzeria’s special offer.
National Detroit Style Pizza Day Hero
Gus Guerra
History of National Detroit Style Pizza Day
For those who don’t know what Detroit-style pizza is, let us take the honor of introducing you to one of the greatest pizza styles ever invented. It all starts with the crust — the deep and thickly composed crust that’s so light and airy in taste. The unique shape and one-of-a-kind flavor of the pizza come from the steel square pans that are borrowed from the auto industry. One of the striking things about Detroit-style pizzas is that the toppings are layered backward. It means that they lay the gourmet pepperoni directly on the hand-stretched dough followed by a layer of Wisconsin Brick Cheese, spread all the way to the edges of the pan. The cheese will caramelize when baked and creates an incredibly crisp crust. All of these are finally topped with racing stripes of tomato sauce at the top.
Detroit-style pizza was reportedly born in 1946 at a Detroit speakeasy-turned-bar-turned-pizza joint called Buddy’s Rendezvous. The mother-in-law of the restaurant’s owner created a square, pan-baked, Sicilian-style pizza that soon became all the rage with hipsters. Since that day there has been no looking back for Detroit-style pizza. In 2011, former Detroit mayor Dave Bing and City Council created a proclamation deeming June 23 to be “Buddy’s Pizza Day” in the city of Detroit. Later in 2021, the day was renamed “National Detroit-Style Pizza Day” to celebrate its 75th anniversary of offering thick crust and square slices.
So, what are you waiting for? Go grab a Detroit-style pizza today and celebrate this day in style along with some substance!
National Detroit Style Pizza Day timeline
A unique square-cut pizza style is served at Buddy’s Pizza.
Mayor Dave Bing proclaims June 23 as Buddy’s Pizza Day.
Detroit-style pizza wins the “World’s Best Pizza” honors at Pizza Expo.
Buddy’s Pizza announces that June 23 would now be known as National Detroit-Style Pizza Day.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Detroit Style Pizza Day
Local pizzerias and restaurants can celebrate National Detroit Style Pizza Day by offering special discounts or limited-edition Detroit-style pies. Consider hosting a ‘build your own’ Detroit-style pizza event or a tasting menu featuring different topping combinations. Bars and breweries could partner with local pizzerias for ‘pizza and pint’ specials. Food trucks specializing in pizza could add a Detroit-style option to their menu for the day, leveraging the holiday’s popularity to attract new customers. Encourage customers to share their experiences on social media using #DetroitStylePizzaDay for a chance to win prizes.
National Detroit Style Pizza Day FAQs
When is National Detroit Style Pizza Day?
In 2027, National Detroit Style Pizza Day will be observed on Wednesday, June 23. Mark your calendars to celebrate this beloved Motor City creation.
What makes a pizza Detroit Style?
The defining features of Detroit-style pizza include its signature square shape, often baked in blue steel automotive pans, and a light, chewy crust that’s crisp on the bottom. The cheese, typically a blend including brick cheese, is extended to the pan’s edges, caramelizing into a savory, crunchy crust. Toppings and sauce are frequently layered on top of the cheese, making it instantly recognizable.
How popular is Detroit Style Pizza?
The appeal of Detroit-style pizza continues to grow, with its unique texture and flavor profile captivating pizza enthusiasts nationwide. It’s estimated that hundreds of pizzerias now offer some form of Detroit-style pie, and its distinctive qualities frequently feature in food media and culinary discussions, cementing its place in American pizza culture.
Who invented Detroit Style Pizza?
The creation of Detroit-style pizza is attributed to Gus Guerra, who began serving it at Buddy’s Rendezvous in 1946. His method of baking the pizza in rectangular steel pans, combined with a unique cheese blend and the order of ingredients, established the foundational characteristics of this iconic pizza. Buddy’s Pizza remains a testament to his original vision and culinary innovation.
National Detroit Style Pizza Day Activities
Go to Buddy’s Pizza
The best thing you can do to celebrate National Detroit-Style Pizza Day is by experiencing it in its birthplace. You can visit one of the 19 Buddy’s Pizza locations and enjoy it.
Bake it yourself
Looking for some fun way to spend and celebrate the National Detroit-Style Pizza Day? We’ve got you covered. Look online for the recipe and start preparing the pizza yourself. No one to stop you!
Share your story
If you’re someone who has visited Buddy's Pizza or has been trying out Detroit-style pizza for years, share some of your interesting stories that happened while you were tasting the deliciousness.
5 Insane Facts About Detroit-Style Pizza
Pizza and automobile
The pan used to bake Detroit-style pizzas was once used by automobile manufacturers.
It’s all over the U.S.
Authentic Detroit-style pizza is currently served in at least 10 U.S. states.
There’s no butter involved
The buttery flavor of this pizza has nothing to do with butter, it's just oil and cheese!
There’s a pepperoni protocol
It is tradition to add pepperoni directly to the dough before the addition of cheese.
Meet the Italian Cousin
Sicilian sfincione is a pizza style that’s closely related to the Detroit-style pizza.
Why We Love National Detroit Style Pizza Day
Everybody loves pizza
From kids to adults, men to women, vegans to non-vegetarians, everybody loves pizza! It’s more than just bread and cheese, it’s an emotion that’s baked with love, compassion, and care.
It serves a cause
For every pizza that Buddy’s sells on this day, $1 will be donated. This money goes to the Community Housing Network of Metro Detroit, Haven House in mid-Michigan, or Housing Resources Inc in Western Michigan.
It’s a meaningful day for animals too
On this day, Buddy’s Pizza partners with the Detroit Zoo and will provide special pizzas to the facility’s grizzly bears, wolves, and arctic foxes. Fans are also invited to take pictures and ask questions.
Social Media Tips for National Detroit Style Pizza Day
Individuals
Creators
Brands