Local Pizza Pop-Up Secures Brick-and-Mortar Location in Metro Detroit, Thanks to Celebrity Chef Backing.
A beloved pizza pop-up from Matt Arb's Amelia Street Pizza Co. is expanding its reach with a new brick-and-mortar location in Hazel Park, Detroit. The popular eatery, known for its signature "Pecorino Half Moon" and sourdough crust, aims to open its doors this spring, thanks to the backing of acclaimed chef James Rigato.
Rigato, who also owns Mabel Gray, a high-end restaurant in the city, is serving as investor and mentor to Arb's project. The renowned chef expressed his excitement about supporting a talented, independent pizzaiolo like Arb. "This is not a Mabel Gray project," he said. "It's Matt's business and Matt's pizza. My mentorship is on the business and behind-the-scenes side."
Arb's journey to opening his brick-and-mortar began seven years ago when he left his job as a refinancing banker at Rocket Mortgage. After experimenting with pizza-making in his home kitchen, Arb's creations caught the attention of Rigato, who offered him a residency at Detroit's Dragonfly in 2025.
The menu for Amelia Street Pizza Co.'s new location will be simple yet satisfying, featuring a rotating special, cheese bread, cookies, and soft drinks. According to Arb, his goal is to create a neighborhood spot that serves the best pizza in town while maintaining its down-to-earth charm. "Having James in my corner is just going to make it even more special," he said.
The new location will be situated at 951 E. Nine Mile Rd., in a 1,000-square-foot storefront attached to a party store. This strategic placement puts the eatery close to Mabel Gray and other local hotspots, ensuring that customers from surrounding neighborhoods can easily visit Amelia Street Pizza Co.
For more information about Amelia Street Pizza Co.'s upcoming opening, follow the pizzaiolo on Instagram at @ameliastpizzaco.
A beloved pizza pop-up from Matt Arb's Amelia Street Pizza Co. is expanding its reach with a new brick-and-mortar location in Hazel Park, Detroit. The popular eatery, known for its signature "Pecorino Half Moon" and sourdough crust, aims to open its doors this spring, thanks to the backing of acclaimed chef James Rigato.
Rigato, who also owns Mabel Gray, a high-end restaurant in the city, is serving as investor and mentor to Arb's project. The renowned chef expressed his excitement about supporting a talented, independent pizzaiolo like Arb. "This is not a Mabel Gray project," he said. "It's Matt's business and Matt's pizza. My mentorship is on the business and behind-the-scenes side."
Arb's journey to opening his brick-and-mortar began seven years ago when he left his job as a refinancing banker at Rocket Mortgage. After experimenting with pizza-making in his home kitchen, Arb's creations caught the attention of Rigato, who offered him a residency at Detroit's Dragonfly in 2025.
The menu for Amelia Street Pizza Co.'s new location will be simple yet satisfying, featuring a rotating special, cheese bread, cookies, and soft drinks. According to Arb, his goal is to create a neighborhood spot that serves the best pizza in town while maintaining its down-to-earth charm. "Having James in my corner is just going to make it even more special," he said.
The new location will be situated at 951 E. Nine Mile Rd., in a 1,000-square-foot storefront attached to a party store. This strategic placement puts the eatery close to Mabel Gray and other local hotspots, ensuring that customers from surrounding neighborhoods can easily visit Amelia Street Pizza Co.
For more information about Amelia Street Pizza Co.'s upcoming opening, follow the pizzaiolo on Instagram at @ameliastpizzaco.
I'm so stoked to see a local pizza pop-up like Amelia Street Pizza Co. get some major love and support from James Rigato 
It's awesome that Arb's passion project has been backed by someone with his culinary expertise, but also makes sense that Arb wants to keep the focus on his own vision for the business 
I mean, who wouldn't want a slice of that famous "Pecorino Half Moon" pizza 
? The fact that they're going for a simple menu but high-quality ingredients is a great approach - it's all about creating a neighborhood spot where people can grab a delicious pie and hang out 
As long as Arb stays true to his down-to-earth charm, I think this new location is gonna be a game-changer for Metro Detroit's food scene 
And kudos to the landlords who are willing to take a chance on a small pizzeria - it's not always easy being a part of the culinary startup scene 
. Matt Arb's passion project has been on my radar for a while now and it's dope to see him getting that celebrity chef backing from James Rigato 
. The fact that he's keeping it real with a simple menu and neighborhood spot vibe is super appealing, especially since the new location will be attached to a party store 
I'm so stoked to hear about Matt Arb's success story! He went from being a banker to a pizza mastermind 
Can't wait to try Amelia Street Pizza Co. when it opens this spring! 
! But, you know, this is cool and all... Matt's got some serious skills goin' on with that sourdough crust 
. And James Rigato investin' in him? That's like gettin' a stamp of approval from the pizza gods 
and now i get to try it in person at the new location. james rigato investing in the project is a dream come true, he's like a mentor to matt arb and its awesome to see him supporting his passion 
. i love that the menu is gonna be simple yet satisfying, idk about rotating specials tho... cookies too?!?! can we get some pics of the new shop ASAP?!
. And the location, attached to a party store? Genius! It'll definitely get some foot traffic from the surrounding areas 
can't wait to get my hands on that pecorino half moon crust and try all the new flavors they'll be offering!!! 
. And James Rigato backing the project? Mind blown 
.
The menu sounds so casual and inviting, like a chill hangout spot where you can grab a slice (or three) with friends or just meet new people. I'm low-key hoping this place will become my fave spot to get pizza fix in Detroit... fingers crossed it opens on time!