June 23rd is no ordinary day in the pizza world — it’s National Detroit-Style Pizza Day. A celebration of one of America’s boldest and most unique pizza styles, this day invites food lovers and pizza pros alike to honour the crispy, cheesy, square-shaped icon that originated in the heart of Motor City.
At PizzaEquipment.co.uk, we’re here to help you make it the authentic way — with the right tools, proper techniques, and a nod to Detroit’s pizza-making legacy.
Detroit-style pizza dates back to 1946, when the first square pies were served at Buddy’s Pizza — baked in blue steel trays originally used for holding automotive parts. The result? A deep, rectangular pizza with a light, airy interior, crispy caramelised cheese edges, and a bold finish of “racing stripes” of tomato sauce drizzled across the top.
What sets it apart?
Crust: Thick, fluffy and full of texture — but never heavy
Shape: Always rectangular or square
Topping order: Pepperoni first, then Wisconsin brick cheese, and finally the sauce — added last, on top of the cheese, in signature stripes
This reverse-layering technique creates a mouth-watering bite and an unmistakable look — both classic and modern at the same time.
National Detroit-Style Pizza Day was officially established by Buddy’s Pizza — the original home of the Detroit-style pie — to commemorate a major milestone: the 75th anniversary of the very first pizza served at their Detroit restaurant in 1946.
That original pizza was baked in a square steel pan, layered in an unconventional order, and finished with stripes of tomato sauce on top — a bold move that redefined what pizza could be. It wasn’t just delicious — it was industrial, innovative, and unmistakably Detroit.
Buddy’s wanted to honour that legacy and bring awareness to a style that, for decades, remained a local legend. By establishing June 23rd as a national day of recognition, they’ve helped propel Detroit-style pizza from a neighbourhood classic to a global trend.
Today, it’s not just a regional curiosity — you’ll now find Detroit-style pizza on restaurant menus around the world, including a growing number here in the UK, thanks to its unique flavour, texture, and visual appeal.
Detroit-style pizza is more than a gimmick — it’s a smart business move. With distinct visual appeal, Instagram-worthy slices, and true flavour credibility, it appeals to foodies, pizza traditionalists, and casual diners alike.
We’ve seen increasing demand from UK pizzerias and restaurants looking to diversify their pizza offerings with something a bit different — and Detroit delivers.
Want to make it right? Start with the right equipment:
Detroit-Style Pizza Pans – Authentic blue steel pans in various sizes
Pizza Ovens – For even bake and caramelised edges
Pizza Cutters & Servers – Built for square slices and deep pans
All available with UK shipping and trade support.
Bake a Detroit-style pizza — square pan, pepperoni under cheese, sauce on top
Share your creations using #DetroitStylePizzaDay
Learn the story behind Buddy’s Pizza
Or better yet, try it on your menu and see how customers react!
Browse all Detroit-Style Pizza gear now:
👉 Shop Detroit Pans & Accessories
We’re always happy to offer advice on kit, setup, and style. Whether you’re scaling up your menu or trialling Detroit-style pizza for the first time, drop us a message — we’ll steer you in the right direction.