Supino Pizzeria
Supino Pizzeria, a Detroit establishment serving east coast style pizza, has become a fixture in the city’s culinary landscape since opening its doors in 2008. Founded by Dave Mancini, the pizzeria’s origins are deeply rooted in a visit to his family’s ancestral hometown in Italy and a desire to bring a specific style of pizza to a Detroit market lacking in such offerings. The restaurant is known for its commitment to simple, high-quality ingredients and a dedication to remaining an independent, locally-owned business.
History
Dave Mancini’s journey to opening Supino Pizzeria began with a trip to Supino, Italy, his father’s hometown, in 2000 [1]. While there, he observed the local pizza-making traditions, noting the simplicity of the ingredients – flour, water, yeast, and salt – and the resulting superior taste compared to pizzas he had experienced in the United States [2]. This experience sparked an interest in a career in the food industry, a departure from his previous pursuit of physical therapy. Mancini had worked in restaurants previously, but it was the food culture of the small Italian village that solidified his desire to become a restaurateur.
The path to opening Supino Pizzeria was not immediate. Mancini spent approximately eight years refining his recipes and searching for the right location. He recognized a gap in the Detroit pizza scene, noting the prevalence of Detroit-style and bar pizza, but a lack of thin-crust options [3]. He envisioned offering a classic, high-quality thin-crust pizza that differed from the existing styles. After a lengthy search, he secured a space near Eastern Market, a location he considered highly visible and advantageous. The pizzeria officially opened in 2008, and celebrated its one-year anniversary in 2009 [4].
Geography
Supino Pizzeria is located in Detroit, Michigan, specifically in the Eastern Market area [5]. Eastern Market is one of the oldest and largest public markets in the United States, and a significant commercial and cultural hub for the city. The neighborhood surrounding the market is a mix of residential and commercial properties, with a growing number of restaurants and shops. The location near the farmers' market was intentionally chosen by Mancini for its high visibility and foot traffic.
The pizzeria’s namesake, Supino, Italy, is situated approximately 40 miles southeast of Rome [6]. The Italian Supino is described as a small farming village with a population of fewer than 5,000 people, characterized by its traditional lifestyle and strong food culture. The contrast between this rural Italian setting and inner-city Detroit was noted by Mancini as being particularly striking and influential in his decision to open a pizzeria [7].
Culture
Supino Pizzeria focuses on offering an approachable and casual dining experience [8]. The restaurant’s menu centers around east coast style pizza, alongside Italian salads and appetizers. Dave Mancini has explicitly stated his intention to avoid franchising the business, prioritizing maintaining control over quality and consistency [9]. This commitment to remaining independent is a core part of the pizzeria’s identity.
Mancini’s background and upbringing in an Italian-American family in Detroit have significantly influenced the pizzeria’s approach to food. He recalls his father learning English later in life and the strong cooking skills of his aunts [10]. He recognized a need for a different style of pizza in Detroit, acknowledging the popularity of existing Detroit-style and bar pizzas but identifying a lack of thin-crust options. He aimed to create a “really good version of classic things” [11].
Getting There
Supino Pizzeria’s location in Detroit’s Eastern Market makes it accessible by various modes of transportation. The Eastern Market is served by several Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) bus routes. Parking in the area can be challenging, particularly during market days, but there are both street parking options and paid parking lots available. For those traveling by car, the pizzeria is easily accessible from major Detroit freeways.
Walking and cycling are also viable options, especially for residents of nearby neighborhoods. Detroit has been investing in improving its bike infrastructure, with dedicated bike lanes and paths connecting various parts of the city. The Eastern Market area is relatively pedestrian-friendly, encouraging visitors to explore the surrounding shops and attractions on foot. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Detroit and provide a convenient transportation option to and from Supino Pizzeria.
Detroit
Eastern Market
Restaurants in Detroit
Italian cuisine