From Humble Trailer to Mobile Empire: Via 313’s Latest Innovation
In a move that brings the brand full circle to its roots, Via 313 has launched a new mobile food truck, marking an exciting expansion for the Detroit-style pizza pioneer that began as a single trailer in Austin over a decade ago. The new mobile unit debuted at 512 Brewing Company’s 17th anniversary celebration in Austin on November 8, 2025, offering free slices to the first 15 fans in line and signaling a new chapter for the rapidly growing pizza chain.
“The food truck marks an exciting new chapter for us,” said Brandon Hunt, co-founder of Via 313. “Our original trailer was where it all started, but it stayed in one spot. Now, we finally get to take our pizza on the road — connecting with new communities, joining local events and celebrating how far Via 313 has come.”
The Journey From Trailer to Empire
Via 313’s story is a testament to the American dream, built on authentic flavors and relentless expansion. Founded in December 2011 by Detroit-born brothers Brandon and Zane Hunt, the brand emerged from a small, nondescript trailer on East 6th and Waller in Austin with a simple mission: to bring authentic Detroit-style pizza to Texas [source 1].
The name itself tells the story — “Via” meaning “by way of” and “313” representing Detroit’s area code. The brothers, raised by their single mother in Detroit, grew up eating pizza three to four times a week, developing a palate that would later define their business [source 2].
What started as a humble operation has grown into a formidable presence with 23 full-service restaurants and two permanently placed trailers across Texas, Colorado, and Utah [source 3]. The company’s growth has been remarkable — expanding over 300% in the past three years and landing on the coveted 2024 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies in America [source 4].
The Detroit-Style Difference
Via 313’s success rests on its commitment to authentic Detroit-style pizza, a distinctive square pizza variety that sets itself apart from New York or Chicago styles. The brothers spent nearly a year perfecting their recipe before opening to the public, ensuring every element honored their Motor City roots [source 5].
The signature style features:
- Square steel pans reminiscent of automotive parts pans used in Detroit factories
- Dough that undergoes a 1-2 day refrigerated fermentation process for enhanced flavor
- Two types of cheese layered not just on top but around the sides of the pan, creating a caramelized crunch
- Sauce applied after baking, allowing cheese and dough to achieve perfect crispiness
This attention to detail has earned Via 313 numerous accolades, including “Top 5 Pizzas in America” from Food Network, “Independent Pizzeria of the Year” from Pizza Today, and recognition as “one of the very best pizzas” by Food and Wine Magazine [source 1].
Strategic Growth and Community Focus
Via 313’s expansion accelerated in 2020 when the company partnered with Savory Fund, a private equity firm specializing in restaurant concepts. This partnership provided the capital and expertise needed to scale while maintaining the brand’s authentic identity [source 6].
The company’s growth strategy has been deliberate and community-focused. Each new location opening includes charitable components, such as donating 25% of opening day proceeds to local organizations. In the first six months of 2024 alone, Via 313 donated more than $100,000 to over 20 organizations through their “Better Giving Through Pizza” initiative [source 4].
“We grew up poor in Detroit, and we know how hard life can be sometimes,” Zane Hunt explained. “Giving back is just a part of our DNA, and no matter how big we get, every single community Via 313 is a part of will continue to honor that.”
The Food Truck Revolution
Via 313’s new mobile unit represents a growing trend in the food service industry. The food truck market has experienced robust growth, reaching $2.4 billion in revenue in 2025 with over 58,000 trucks operating across America — a 15.9% increase since 2019 [source 7].
This growth is driven by several factors:
- Increased demand for convenience and unique dining experiences
- Technological innovations like mobile ordering and contactless payments
- Lower startup costs compared to traditional restaurants
- Flexibility to adapt to changing consumer preferences and locations
For Via 313, the food truck offers strategic advantages beyond additional revenue streams. It serves as a mobile marketing tool, allowing the brand to test new markets before committing to permanent locations. The company will use “clue drops” on Instagram to announce future food truck locations, creating buzz and engagement among their 125,000+ loyalty members [source 4].
Looking Ahead
As Via 313 continues its expansion, the food truck represents both a return to its roots and a forward-looking strategy. The mobile unit will appear at festivals, breweries, and private events across Texas, with fans able to request bookings via foodtruck@via313.com.
The brand’s journey from a single trailer to a multi-state operation with 25 locations demonstrates the power of authentic food concepts combined with smart business strategy. For pizza enthusiasts across Texas and beyond, Via 313’s mobile unit means that authentic Detroit-style pizza is now more accessible than ever — bringing the taste of Motor City to communities throughout the Lone Star State and beyond.
This article was written based on information from press releases and company announcements. For more information about Via 313, visit via313.com.
