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Like most Metro Detroiters, I have many fond memories of enjoying Buddy’s Pizza: family gatherings, work parties, late-night cravings. When I worked at St. John Hospital in Detroit, I used to get in early nearly every day and enjoy an order of Buddy Bread from the location in the mall underneath the hospital’s Professional Building. I never knew Buddy’s Pizza was creeping up on 75 years in Detroit while I savored that pillowy, buttery, chewy deliciousness.

To celebrate their birthday, Buddy’s Pizza did what any 75-year-old should do: contracted a brewery to make a special edition beer just for them. Area Director Sal Aluzzo, a New England IPA lover, sought to make a Buddy’s beer that would satisfy any NEIPA fan, and so he approached Griffin Claw Brewing Company to collaborate. It was a no-brainer for Griffin Claw because the brewery already makes two beers for Buddy’s restaurants. I stopped by the Buddy’s location on 13 Mile and Van Dyke (which happens to be the second oldest location in Michigan) to check out the beer and pizza when the beer was released on National Beer Day, September 28, 2021.

The 75th Anniversary Ale was golden orange in color and had a light, fluffy head. Just one look and I knew it was going to be tropical and smooth. It was dry-hopped with Nelson Sauvin, which gave it big and juicy fruit flavors. It had a clean finish and was very refreshing. During the creation of the Anniversary Ale, Aluzzo said he had a great time working with the team at Griffin Claw. It reminded him, he said, of his time with Big Buck Brewery and as the Director of Operations for Granite City Brewery.

Since there’s no better pairing in history than beer and pizza (seriously, look it up), I of course had to try the two new pizzas made specially for Buddy’s landmark birthday. Of course, both were Detroit-style pizza, and, if I may, I’d like to share my opinion of Detroit-style pizza. In my travels around the world, I’m had some pretty tasty pizza, but I only ever want Detroit-style. That’s right: don’t come at me with thin crust, unflavored crust, or “cracker crust.”. Keep it away from me! I’m not saying I don’t enjoy a round pizza here or there, but if it’s my choice, it’s Detroit-style all the way. The cheese-to-the-edge technique is key, and in my opinion there is no better way to make pizza.

The first anniversary pizza was the Oktoberfest. It came loaded with gooey cheese, caramelized onions, Italian sausage, and roasted red peppers. Since I’m a sucker for caramelized onions, I dug right into this one and was not disappointed.

The second specialty pizza was Hawaiian Spice. It was topped with ham, diced pineapple, red onions, sliced jalapeños, and Buddy’s barbecue sauce. Generally, I’m not a fan of Hawaiian pizza or pineapple at all, but I was drawn in by the jalapeños and man did they deliver. I actually had to take a beer break while eating this slice, and the Anniversary Ale paired perfectly with this sweet and spicy pizza.

As of publication, there is no plan to release the 75th Anniversary Ale into the market. It’s available only in Buddy’s Pizza locations with sit-down dining areas. As far as I’m concerned, it’s an excellent juicy NEIPA and should be on the side of pizzas all across Detroit. Buddy’s plans to have this beer available alongside the two specialty pizzas through October 31, and Aluzzo hopes they’ll be around even longer.

It was so great to be a part of the 75th anniversary of this Detroit staple, and I couldn’t help but muse on my very first taste of Buddy’s, back at the tender age of 16. I have been hooked on Detroit-style ever since, and I have never looked back.


Disclaimer: Thank you to Buddy’s Pizza on 13 Mile and Van Dyke for the excellent service and discounted beer and food. Leah and Holly were great!


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