Via 313, an Austin-based pizzeria known for its Detroit-style pizza, officially opened its doors on August 9, marking the brand's second location in the Houston area. The eatery, founded by Detroit natives and brothers Brandon and Zane Hunt, has set up shop at 1065 W. Bay Area Boulevard, near the recently launched Shake Shack, as reported by CultureMap.
Dishing out deep-dish, rectangular pies baked in steel pans traditional to Detroit, the menu at Via 313 features a mix of thick-crust pizzas and thinner, bar-style pies, salads, and desserts—these items are part of what has made the eatery a favorite since its food-trailer inception in 2011 and now, with currently 18 restaurants to its name, the expansion continues in Texas, according to a statement obtained by Houston Chronicle, a new location is planned for Houston Heights by year's end.
"So many people doing it now have never even been to Detroit or have tried the original (pizza)," Brandon Hunt told the Houston Chronicle. The restaurant launches with an ambition to provide Texans a genuine slice of Detroit — whether through its signature crisp, caramelized cheese edges or through serving local Detroit beverages like Faygo and Vernor's Ginger Ale.
Reflecting on their experiences in their hometown, Zane Hunt shared with CultureMap, "Our version of that style of pizza is a culmination of a lot of different places we ate growing up." Visitors can indulge in Via 313's historically-named pizzas like The Cadillac or The Supreme(s) and can expect a full bar and separate dining sections for different parts of their menu.
The restaurant opens daily for lunch and dinner starting at 11 am, also attracting patrons with a weekday happy hour from 3-6 pm, and a late-night happy hour Monday through Thursday from 8-10 pm. As part of Via 313's growth, powered by a partnership with venture capital firm Savory Fund, developments are also underway in Pearland and Cypress regions, expanding the reach of these Detroit-style pizzas deeper into the fabric of Texas's diverse food landscape.
