Amelia Street Pizza Co., a pop-up known for its viral success and distinctive sourdough pies, is putting down roots in Hazel Park with a permanent shop slated to open this spring. The force behind the brand, Matt Arb, evolved from sharing his pizza-making journey on Instagram to becoming a sought-after name in the Detroit area's culinary scene. As reported by ClickOnDetroit, Arb crafted his skills in dough preparation after leaving a seven-year career in refinancing banking, pursuing a passion that would soon pay off.
The announcement for the new storefront, to be located at 951 E. 9 Mile Road, comes on the heels of a collaboration with Dragonfly in Detroit, where Arb hosted a successful pop-up at the end of 2025. The upcoming Amelia Street Pizza Co. venue, reported by WXYZ, is said to be a New York-style pizza shop, boasting a minimalistic menu with cheese and pepperoni pizza, a rotating special pie, cheesebread, homemade cookies, and soft drinks. Chef James Rigato, owner of the respected Mabel Gray, is backing Arb's venture as an investor and mentor, providing support without altering the foundational elements that made Amelia Street Pizza Co. a local favorite.
As Arb shared with MetroTimes, “It’s the coolest thing to have someone like James taking an interest in this little thing that started in my kitchen. He hasn’t tried to change it or tell me what to do. Having him in my corner is just going to make it even more special." Aimed at creating a memorable but unpretentious experience, the shop's distinct offer includes a 72-hour cold sourdough ferment and a signature “Pecorino Half Moon” garnish on the crust.
Located strategically less than a mile from Mabel Gray, the 1,000-square-foot space in Hazel Park echoes the commitment both Arb and Rigato have to enhancing the local food landscape. “Matt is opening a shop with no schtick and nowhere to hide in one of the most dense pizza areas in North America," Rigato said, highlighting the brand's dedication to excellence in simplicity. Guests at Amelia Street Pizza Co. will find a pared-down, though thoroughly considered, approach to pizza making, with a focus on whole pies rather than slices. For future updates including the exact spring opening date, pizza aficionados can follow their journey on Instagram @ameliastpizzaco.
