Since 1972, Green Lantern Pizza has been serving Metro Detroit with handcrafted pies made from scratch every single day. Discover the passion, people, and principles behind every slice.
Our Story
Green Lantern Pizza was founded in 1972 by the Zerilli family, who believed that truly great pizza started with one thing: respect for the craft. Every dough ball hand-tossed, every sauce slow-simmered from fresh tomatoes — nothing from a can, nothing from a factory.
What started as a single corner location in Clinton Township quickly became the neighborhood's favorite gathering spot. Families came for the thin, crispy crust and generous toppings. Friends celebrated milestones over our signature pizzas. Generations grew up on the same beloved recipes.
Today, we continue that same tradition — same recipes, same commitment, same warm welcome. We've grown, but we've never lost sight of what makes us Green Lantern: fresh ingredients, handcrafted quality, and a genuine love for feeding our community.
What Drives Us
Every decision we make — from ingredients to service — is guided by a set of core commitments to our guests, our team, and our community.
Every pizza is crafted by hand with genuine care. We don't rush the process — great pizza takes time, attention, and heart.
We source locally whenever possible and never compromise on quality. Our produce arrives fresh daily, and our dough is never frozen.
We're proud to be a cornerstone of Clinton Township. We sponsor local events, support schools, and give back to the community that built us.
Whether it's your first slice or your thousandth, the quality should always be the same — outstanding. That's the Green Lantern promise.
Our Values
These aren't just words on a wall — they're the living philosophy that shapes how we cook, serve, and grow as a team every single day.
We never cut corners on quality. If an ingredient isn't good enough for our own families, it doesn't go on your pizza.
Every guest deserves to feel welcome. From the first call to the final bite, we treat every person like family.
Fifty years of family recipes deserve respect. We honor tradition while thoughtfully embracing what's new and better.
We reduce waste, recycle packaging, and work with suppliers who share our commitment to a healthier planet for future generations.
"Pizza is not just food — it's the table where family gathers, where friendships deepen, and where memories are made."
Our Journey
From a small family kitchen to a Metro Detroit institution — here are the milestones that shaped who we are today.
Tony and Maria Zerilli opened the first Green Lantern location on 15 Mile Road in Clinton Township with a 600-square-foot kitchen, a single oven, and a dream to feed the neighborhood.
Voted "Best Pizza in Metro Detroit" by the local community for the first time. The original thin-crust recipe became our flagship, and word spread quickly across Macomb County.
We expanded the dining room, added our full pasta menu, and introduced our famous garlic bread sticks. The second generation of the Zerilli family stepped in to continue the legacy.
Green Lantern launched its first online ordering system, bringing our handcrafted pies to a new generation of pizza lovers. Online orders accounted for 30% of sales within the first year.
We formalized our commitment to local sourcing, partnering with Michigan farms for produce and dairy. Our new sustainable kitchen practices reduced food waste by 40%.
Green Lantern celebrated its golden anniversary with a sold-out community feast, a limited-edition menu, and a renewed promise to serve the next fifty years with the same love and craftsmanship as the first.
The People
Our team brings decades of combined culinary experience, a shared love for great food, and an unwavering dedication to making every guest's experience special.
Head Chef & Co-Owner
Grandson of founder Tony Zerilli, Marco grew up kneading dough before he could read. After training in Naples and New York, he returned to Clinton Township to carry on the family legacy with a modern touch.
Culinary Director
Sofia joined the Green Lantern family in 2009 after a career at top restaurants in Chicago. She oversees menu innovation, seasonal specials, and ensures every recipe meets our exacting quality standards.
Restaurant Manager
Derek has been part of the Green Lantern family for over 15 years. He keeps everything running smoothly — from the front-of-house team to delivery coordination — with a calm, guest-first approach.
Community & Marketing Lead
Aisha is the voice and heart of Green Lantern in the community. She manages partnerships with local schools, organizes fundraisers, and tells our story online with authentic passion.
Passionate about pizza and people? We'd love to have you on the team.
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