This article was inspired by content originally published on Block Club Chicago
Introduction
When it comes to Chicago’s ever-evolving pizza scene, there’s always room for a bold new spin on a classic pie. Enter Sharpie’s, the new Detroit-style pizza spot that recently opened near the Salt Shed in Chicago’s Goose Island neighborhood. The restaurant, from the team behind acclaimed Ada Street, is already making waves for its crave-worthy pan pies, approachable vibe, and community-focused vision.
Reinventing Detroit-Style in a Chicago Heartbeat
In a city defined by deep-dish dominance, Sharpie’s dares to double-down on the fluffy, crispy-edged appeal of Detroit-style pizza. This style with its signature caramelized cheese “frico” crust and pillowy interior has become a favorite among pizza enthusiasts looking for a break from the fork-and-knife deep dish.
Pizza Pro Tip: Recreate this magic at home with a seasoned Detroit-style pizza pan, which helps achieve that iconic crispy edge. Combine it with high-fat Wisconsin brick cheese a must-have for authentic Detroit frico sourced from specialty cheese purveyors online.
A Culinary Dream Team Anchors the Concept
Behind Sharpie’s are hospitality veterans Michael Kornick, David Morton, and Chef Noah Sandoval. Their combined experience from Michelin-starred kitchens to beloved neighborhood joints shows in every detail.
For pizza shop owners, there’s a lesson here: sometimes, the best new concept is one that balances boldness with familiarity. Detroit-style isn’t exactly new, but in Chicago, the format still feels fresh enough to stand out especially with local craft beers and a playlist curated for laid-back good times.
Thinking of giving your pizzeria an edge? Consider upgrading your dining area or workflow with an efficient POS system, or expand your drink menu with local craft brewery partnerships.
Location, Location, Location And a Community Connection
Sharpie’s new digs are steps away from the Salt Shed, Chicago’s popular riverfront music venue. This location choice is no accident: pizza and music have always shared a symbiotic relationship. Crowds spilling out of concerts crave a place to grab a hot, hearty slice.
For pizza shop owners and suppliers, the takeaway is clear: think strategically about your location’s synergy with nearby businesses and events. And keep your kitchen ready for late-night rushes with durable commercial pizza ovens and reliable cleaning supplies to handle the post-show rush.
Beyond the Pie: Sharpie’s as a Neighborhood Hangout
Sharpie’s isn’t just about pizza it’s about vibe. With its bar program, communal seating, and all-are-welcome energy, it’s designed to be a casual hangout as much as a dining destination.
Suppliers, take note: restaurants like Sharpie’s thrive on unique, high-quality ingredients that differentiate their menu. From artisan charcuterie to sustainably sourced flour, the right supplier partnerships help these standout concepts stay ahead.
Looking to pitch your products to pizzerias like Sharpie’s? Keep your supply chain tight and consider offering flexible delivery or sample packages to help chefs test new ingredients with minimal risk.
Why Sharpie’s Matters for Pizza’s Future
Sharpie’s shows how the pizza industry continues to reinvent itself. By tapping into the crave factor of Detroit-style pies, leveraging a killer location, and creating a warm, come-as-you-are vibe, they’re building something more than just a slice shop.
Enthusiasts inspired by Sharpie’s approach can experiment at home: invest in a quality stand mixer for that airy dough, grab a pizza steel for perfectly crisp crusts, and don’t forget a curated cookbook from pizza legends to hone your craft.
Final Slice
From Detroit to Chicago, Sharpie’s reminds us that pizza is endlessly adaptable. For shop owners, it’s proof that the right combination of style, location, and community connection can set your concept apart. For suppliers, it’s a signal that today’s chefs are hungry for authentic ingredients and equipment that help them push the boundaries. And for every pizza lover out there? It’s yet another reason to celebrate how pizza keeps evolving crispy edges, caramelized cheese, and all.
Ready to get inspired? Fire up your home oven, stock up on the best tools and ingredients, and keep watching how innovators like Sharpie’s keep pizza culture deliciously alive.
This article was inspired by content originally published on Block Club Chicago
