Our History

A Metro Detroit Legend

Since our start in Madison Heights in 1955, a lot has changed, but our approach to pizza remains the same. We’ve always been about quality ingredients, bold flavor and laid-back, old-school diner vibes. 

Today, with over 15 locations across greater Detroit, you don’t have to go far to get a slice of what we’re known for — the best round pizzas in town and our thick, cheesy Detroit-style squares. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or sitting down at one of our dine-in spots, you’ll get real food, fast service and the kind of pizza that keeps people coming back again and again.

Three Generations of Growth 

By 1984, the Vettrainos were ready to retire, leaving Green Lantern Pizza in the hands of their daughter, Marlene, and her husband, John Spreitzer Sr. Together, the pair continued to run one of the best pizza places in town, gaining new customers every day through word of mouth. Our restaurant’s popularity grew as people discovered we were a great place to go for after-work relaxation and family dinner nights.

In 2004, the Spreitzers’ sons, John Jr. and T.J., saw the opportunity to expand and took it. The brothers opened a new location in Royal Oak where patrons could order delivery and carryout for the first time. This venture was so successful that since then, Green Lantern Pizza has been able to bring our passion to new locations in the Metro-Detroit area every couple of years.

Today, we’re proud to run various thriving locations built on over a half-century of slinging delicious pies, solidifying our footprint in the pizza world. And we’re not trying to brag — we just love what we do, what we make, and the people we meet. Visit one of our shops, or connect with us on our Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, and you’ll see what we mean. We keep it casual, funky, and fun, but we work hard to keep our people — that’s you! — happy and enjoying the best pizza possible.

The King of Pepperoni

We’ve been making our legendary pizza with the same pepperoni since we started, and there’s a reason we haven’t changed it — it’s the best! Our pepperoni is a slow-cured blend of beef and pork, hand-sliced fresh by our team every morning. 

With its natural casing and thick-cut — 36% thicker than your average slice — our pepperoni packs more flavor and curl, with a signature crispy edge that makes every bite a flavor explosion. The smaller diameter gives it a rustic, old-school look, and it delivers a richer, deeper pepperoni punch that holds up under the heat of our ovens.