Shield's Pizza

Shield’s Pizza is a Detroit-area restaurant chain specializing in square, deep-dish pizza, with a history stretching back to 1937. Originating as a neighborhood bar, Shield’s evolved into a local institution known for its distinctive pizza style and community presence. The business has undergone changes in ownership and expansion, but remains a recognizable name in Metro Detroit dining.

History

Shield’s Pizza began as Shield’s Bar, opening at the corner of Davison and Shields Street in Detroit in 1937. For nearly a decade, the establishment operated solely as a bar. In 1946, Shield’s Bar began serving food, and pizza quickly became a popular item on the menu. The square, deep-dish style of pizza became a signature offering, attracting a diverse clientele including families, politicians, athletes, and other public figures.

The original ownership maintained the business until 1974, when the establishment was sold to Deano Moraitis. Moraitis continued to operate Shield’s Pizza, building on its existing reputation. In early 1992, brothers Paul Andoni and Peter Andoni purchased Shield’s Pizza, rebranding it as Shield’s Franchise Restaurants, LLC. The Andoni brothers initiated plans for expansion, aiming to establish new locations and offer franchise opportunities throughout Southeast Michigan and beyond. As of 2019, Shield’s employed 120 people and operated locations in Southfield, Troy, and Macomb Township. The company celebrated its 70th anniversary in business and continues to operate as of 2024.

Geography

The original Shield’s Bar, and subsequently Shield’s Pizza, was located at the corner of Davison and Shields Street in Detroit. However, this original location closed in the late 1980s, a period when many businesses in Detroit faced challenges. Following the closure of the original location, Shield’s Pizza expanded to multiple locations in the Metro Detroit area.

Currently, Shield’s Pizza operates restaurants in Southfield, Troy, and Macomb Township. These locations are situated in Oakland and Macomb counties, serving a broad customer base within the suburban areas surrounding Detroit. The Andoni brothers, upon purchasing the company, expressed intentions to expand further throughout Southeast Michigan and beyond, suggesting a potential for future geographic expansion of the Shield’s Pizza brand.

Culture

Shield’s Pizza has become a part of the culinary landscape of Metro Detroit, known for its square, deep-dish pizza. The restaurant’s menu has diversified over the years to include not only pizza but also salads, pastas, ribs, sandwiches, burgers, and seafood, aiming to appeal to a wider range of tastes. Shield’s emphasizes fresh ingredients, with dough and sauce made daily, and premium meats and cheeses used in their products.

The restaurant has received recognition from local media outlets, including being voted “Detroit’s Best” by WDIV-Click On Detroit and “Michigan’s Best” by the Detroit News. Shield’s Pizza also received national recognition, being named one of the nation’s best by Pizza Today Magazine. Shield’s aims to provide a dining experience suitable for various occasions, including business lunches, family dinners, carry-out orders, team banquets, and catering services.

See Also

Detroit cuisine List of restaurants in Detroit