Hazel Park Pizza Shop To Open Following Instagram-Driven Pop-up Success

Amelia Street Pizza Co. will launch its first brick-and-mortar spot in Hazel Park this spring. The decision came after pop-ups took off and a trial period at Detroit's Dragonfly wrapped up late in 2025. They're moving into a 1,000-square-foot space at 951 E. 9 Mile Rd., tucked between John R. and Dequindre.

Matt Arb started the business. He teamed up with chef James Rigato, who runs Mabel Gray in Hazel Park. The crew that constructed Mabel Gray will build out the pizza shop.

Arb held a job at Rocket Mortgage when life threw him a curveball. That's when he dove into perfecting his dough. He began selling pies through social media from his house until someone threatened to turn him in.

"It's the coolest thing to have someone like James taking an interest in this little thing that started in my kitchen," Arb said according to WXYZ. "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. Our goal is to have the best pizza you've ever had, but for it to still feel like a neighborhood spot."

The shop will run New York-style. Room for 10-15 people to stand or grab a seat. They'll serve cheese pizza, pepperoni pizza, one rotating special pie, cheesebread, homemade cookies, and soft drinks.

Every pie gets a 72-hour cold sourdough ferment. The crust gets topped with a half-moon Pecorino shave.

"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. "His philosophy is almost Japanese in its discipline and total obsession over the dough and the repetition required to achieve greatness."

The two said they're keeping things small on purpose. Quality over quantity. Simplicity wins.

Doors should swing open spring 2026.