Buddy’s is Celebrating National Detroit-Style Pizza Day with Specials & Events

The Detroit-based pizzeria is also giving back to the community in honor of the new holiday, which falls on its 75th anniversary
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Detroit-style Pizza Day - Buddys
Dig in — Detroit-style Pizza Day is June 23! // Photograph courtesy of Buddy’s Pizza

Detroit-style pizza is having a moment. Known for its caramelized, cheese-laden crust and coveted crunchy corners, the rectangular pie is winning foodie hearts across the country and spawning dozens of copycat recipes. In February, Buddy’s — the eatery that started it all — announced that June 23 would now be known as National Detroit-Style Pizza Day. And with the date quickly approaching, the eatery is sharing a lineup of specials, charitable efforts, events, and more to celebrate.

The inaugural Detroit-Style Pizza Day falls on the 75th anniversary of the beloved pizzeria, which opened its original location as Buddy’s Rendezvous in 1946 at Six Mile and Conant. To honor this milestone and the holiday, Buddy’s is partnering with Detroit-style pizzerias around the country to support hunger and homelessness relief efforts. For every pizza Buddy’s sells on June 23, $1 will be donated to Community Housing Network of metro Detroit, Haven House in mid-Michigan, or Housing Resources Inc. in western Michigan. Participating restaurants in other states will donate a portion of their Detroit-Style Pizza Day sales to nonprofits in their own communities.

“This year, we’re celebrating not only 75 years since creating Detroit-Style Pizza, but we’re also celebrating how far the style has grown ever since it started out of a single location in the Motor City in 1946,” says Wes Pikula, chief brand officer of Buddy’s Pizza, in a press release. “Buddy’s has been giving back to the communities we serve for decades, and we want to encourage other Detroit-Style Pizza restaurants to make community giving part of their mission, too. We’re proud to join forces with these other pizzerias to collectively help people in need.”

Buddy's Pizza_The Original Kitchen Crew
Buddy’s, whose original kitchen crew is pictured above, is also celebrating its 75th anniversary. // Photograph courtesy of Buddy’s Pizza

In addition to its charitable efforts, Buddy’s will mark the holiday with a set of special promotions. Those who visit the Henry Ford Museum or Greenfield Village between June 20 and 27 will be entered to win Buddy’s gift cards when they scan designated QR codes placed throughout the venues. The pizzeria will also offer customer appreciation coupons, which are good for $7.50 off any eight-square pizza, at its stores starting June 21. For a taste of nostalgia, the brand is honoring its anniversary with a reprise of several classic dishes. Lovers of the eatery’s cheese ravioli, oven-baked chicken parmesan, and grilled steak hoagies will find these formerly retired items, along with others, back on the menu at select locations.

Finally, in partnership with the Detroit Zoo, Buddy’s will provide special pizzas to the facility’s grizzly bears, wolves, and arctic foxes. The pizzas, which will contain special ingredients approved by the animals’ caretakers, will be fed to the critters at 11:30 a.m. on June 22. Fans are invited to take pictures, ask questions, and hear from representatives from both the zoo and the pizza brand.

For more information, visit buddyspizza.com.