The History of Detroit-Style Pizza & How 313 Detroit Pizza Brings It to Glasgow

Detroit is famous for its cars, its music, and—perhaps most importantly—its pizza. Detroit-style pizza isn’t just another take on pizza; it’s a category of its own. With its thick-yet-airy crust, caramelized cheese edges, and signature sauce-on-top style, it’s a slice of history that we’re proud to bring to Glasgow at 313 Detroit Pizza.

But where did this unique style come from? And why is it so special? Let’s dive into the story of Detroit’s greatest culinary invention and how we’ve made it our mission to serve it authentically in Scotland.

How Detroit-Style Pizza Was Born

Like all great food stories, the origins of Detroit-style pizza start with innovation. Back in 1946, a man named Gus Guerra ran a small bar called Buddy’s Rendezvous in Detroit. Looking for a way to stand out, he took inspiration from his Sicilian roots and decided to experiment with a different kind of pizza—one that wasn’t thin and round, but thick, rectangular, and crispy.

Instead of traditional pizza pans, he used blue steel automotive trays—the kind used in Detroit’s booming car factories—to bake his dough. The result? A light, airy crust with a crispy, cheese-laced edge that could only happen with these unique pans.

And thus, Detroit-style pizza was born—a perfect reflection of its city: tough, innovative, and unforgettable.

What Makes Detroit Pizza Different?

Detroit-style pizza isn’t just another deep-dish pizza. Here’s what makes it unique:

🟦 The Pan – Those blue steel trays aren’t just a quirky backstory—they create the perfect caramelized cheese crust and crispy edges.

🫓 The Dough – It’s light, airy, and crispy at the same time, almost like a focaccia but even better.

🧀 The Cheese – Traditional Detroit pizza uses Wisconsin brick cheese, which melts perfectly and caramelizes at the edges for that iconic crunch.

🍅 The Sauce on Top – Instead of mixing everything together, Detroit-style pizza is layered differently—cheese goes on first, then toppings, and the sauce is ladled on last in bold stripes. This keeps the crust crispy while giving every bite a perfect balance of flavor.

Detroit’s pizzerias have been serving it this way for nearly 80 years, and now, we’re bringing that same level of craftsmanship to Glasgow.

313 Detroit Pizza: Bringing Motor City Flavor to Scotland

At 313 Detroit Pizza, we don’t just make Detroit-style pizza—we respect the craft.

✔️ Authentic Technique – We bake our pizzas in the same style as Detroit’s pioneers, using custom steel pans to get that perfect caramelized edge.

✔️ Glasgow Soul, Detroit Heart – We keep things true to the Detroit tradition while using top-quality ingredients that match Glasgow’s high standards for great food.

✔️ Gluten-Free Done Right – Unlike other places, we take gluten-free seriously. We prepare, cook, and bake our gluten-free pizzas in a separate section with their own dedicated oven. No cross-contamination, no stress—just proper Detroit pizza that everyone can enjoy.

✔️ Every Slice, Every Pie – Whether you’re here for a quick slice or a full pizza, we make sure every bite is as good as it should be.

Detroit Pizza, Glasgow Style—Why We Do It

Detroit-style pizza was built on hard work, creativity, and a love for great food—values that both Detroit and Glasgow share. It’s not just pizza; it’s a slice of history, a tribute to two cities that know how to bounce back, reinvent, and create something amazing.

At 313 Detroit Pizza, we’re proud to bring that tradition to Glasgow. Whether you’re a pizza connoisseur or just looking for your next obsession, you’re in the right place.

📍 Come visit us in Glasgow or order online—because once you try a true Detroit pizza, there’s no going back. 🚗💨 🍕