Beloved Pizza Pop-Up to Bring Brick-and-Mortar to Hazel Park
A Detroit staple is about to expand its reach, as Matt Arb's Amelia Street Pizza Co. plans a brick-and-mortar location in Hazel Park. The popular pizza pop-up, known for its signature "Pecorino Half Moon" with a sourdough crust and shaved cheese, aims to open its doors this spring.
The project is backed by acclaimed chef James Rigato, who will serve as investor and mentor. While the menu remains simple, featuring just cheese, pepperoni, and rotating specials, the shop's location near Mabel Gray, another one of Rigato's high-end restaurants, suggests a commitment to quality ingredients and atmosphere.
For Arb, the partnership with Rigato is a game-changer. "It's the coolest thing to have someone like James taking an interest in this little thing that started in my kitchen," he says. "He hasn't tried to change it or tell me what to do. Having him in my corner is just going to make it even more special." The goal, according to Arb, is to serve some of the best pizza in the city while still maintaining a neighborhood feel.
Rigato's involvement will be behind-the-scenes, focusing on the business and operational side of the venture. "I've wanted to open a pizza spot for a long time," he says. "But this is not a Mabel Gray project. This is Matt's business and Matt's pizza. My mentorship is about continuing to bring great food concepts to the city where I live and work, and helping a talented, independent guy who makes really great pizza build something from the ground up."
Arb launched his pop-up after seven years working as a refinancing banker at Rocket Mortgage. His pizzas gained traction on social media, catching Rigato's attention and leading to a residency at Detroit's Dragonfly in 2025.
The new shop will be located at 951 E. Nine Mile Rd., in a 1,000-square-foot storefront attached to a party store. The low-frills menu will feature cheese bread, cookies, and soft drinks alongside the pizzas, keeping things simple and accessible.
More information is available on Instagram @ameliastpizzaco, where fans can stay up-to-date on the shop's progress and get a sneak peek at the menu offerings.
A Detroit staple is about to expand its reach, as Matt Arb's Amelia Street Pizza Co. plans a brick-and-mortar location in Hazel Park. The popular pizza pop-up, known for its signature "Pecorino Half Moon" with a sourdough crust and shaved cheese, aims to open its doors this spring.
The project is backed by acclaimed chef James Rigato, who will serve as investor and mentor. While the menu remains simple, featuring just cheese, pepperoni, and rotating specials, the shop's location near Mabel Gray, another one of Rigato's high-end restaurants, suggests a commitment to quality ingredients and atmosphere.
For Arb, the partnership with Rigato is a game-changer. "It's the coolest thing to have someone like James taking an interest in this little thing that started in my kitchen," he says. "He hasn't tried to change it or tell me what to do. Having him in my corner is just going to make it even more special." The goal, according to Arb, is to serve some of the best pizza in the city while still maintaining a neighborhood feel.
Rigato's involvement will be behind-the-scenes, focusing on the business and operational side of the venture. "I've wanted to open a pizza spot for a long time," he says. "But this is not a Mabel Gray project. This is Matt's business and Matt's pizza. My mentorship is about continuing to bring great food concepts to the city where I live and work, and helping a talented, independent guy who makes really great pizza build something from the ground up."
Arb launched his pop-up after seven years working as a refinancing banker at Rocket Mortgage. His pizzas gained traction on social media, catching Rigato's attention and leading to a residency at Detroit's Dragonfly in 2025.
The new shop will be located at 951 E. Nine Mile Rd., in a 1,000-square-foot storefront attached to a party store. The low-frills menu will feature cheese bread, cookies, and soft drinks alongside the pizzas, keeping things simple and accessible.
More information is available on Instagram @ameliastpizzaco, where fans can stay up-to-date on the shop's progress and get a sneak peek at the menu offerings.
I'm so stoked about this new pizzeria in Hazel Park! I mean, Amelia Street Pizza Co has been killing it as a pop-up for years, and now they're getting a chance to make it big with James Rigato's backing 
. The fact that Matt Arb is staying true to his roots and not changing the menu too much is awesome. I love that he's keeping things simple and accessible - who doesn't need some good ol' cheese bread and cookies to go with their pizza? 
And that location near Mabel Gray is just perfect, it's like a match made in heaven 
. Bring on spring and get ready for some serious pizza action!
. And can we talk about the menu? Cheese bread and cookies? Yes, please 
. I'm all about supporting local businesses and good food, especially when it comes to pizza 
. This is gonna be a great addition to the neighborhood!
I mean, how can they possibly replicate that same vibe and charm in a big ol' storefront with, like, actual seating? It's just not the same, fam. 
But at the same time, having James Rigato on board is gonna bring some serious credibility to the table, and I love that Matt Arb is staying true to his roots while still making it more accessible to the masses... wait, no, actually, what if they just end up watering down the menu and losing all the magic? 
Ugh, I'm so confused now!
. The fact that they're keeping it simple but serving up quality ingredients and atmosphere is exactly what we need more of in this city.
The fact that James Rigato is backing the venture is a major win, too. he's got some serious culinary cred under his belt.
I mean, who doesn't love a good pizza pop-up with a personal touch? Can't wait to try some of that sourdough crust goodness for myself! 
. But hey, if it works out, more power to them! I just hope they don't compromise on quality ingredients... that's the key to making great pizza, right? 
Matt Arb's Amelia Street Pizza Co is going to bring that same deliciousness that made his pop-up famous, but now with a full-on shop! 
and can you believe James Rigato is backing him?!?! 
. On the other hand, having a high-end chef on board is definitely a plus 
...
this is so cool! Amelia Street Pizza Co. expanding to brick-and-mortar is amazing news 
interesting that they're keeping things simple with just cheese, pepperoni, and rotating specials 
. I'm curious to see how they'll maintain the neighborhood feel while still serving top-notch pizza. hopefully it won't get too crowded or touristy? but overall, this is awesome news for Hazel Park residents! 
. He's got a reputation for bringing quality ingredients and atmosphere to his restaurants, so I'm expecting big things.
. Here's hoping the shop stays true to its roots while still innovating and growing 
I've been following Matt Arb's pizza pop-up for ages and it's always so good! A brick-and-mortar location in Hazel Park will be a dream come true for pizza lovers like me... I'm literally counting down the days until it opens! 
The fact that James Rigato is backing this project is just genius - his involvement is going to take this shop to the next level. I love how Matt's commitment to quality ingredients and neighborhood feel is staying strong, can't wait to see what they have in store for us! 
. They're already taking on too much by working with James Rigato, one of the most high-end chefs around. What if it all goes downhill? I mean, what's to stop them from sacrificing quality just to make the shop more "neighborhoody" and less fancy like Mabel Gray? And that location sounds sketchy... a party store attached to it? It's like they're trying to set themselves up for failure 
. Only time will tell if this will all be worth it, but I'm keeping my skeptical ears open 
.
gotta say, this is the kind of thing that gets me hyped for the Detroit food scene. I mean, Amelia Street Pizza Co's been killin' it as a pop-up, and now they're gettin' the backing they need to take it to the next level. James Rigato investin' in Matt Arb's project? That's like a power-up for pizza lovers everywhere 
. Fingers crossed this brick-and-mortar spot delivers on that "best pizza in the city" promise, 'cause if it does... game. over.
anyway, i'm hyped for Amelia St Pizza Co to open in hazel park, esp since they're keepin it simple & neighborhood feel vibes