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AUSTIN, Texas (March 11, 2026) – The City of Austin has officially designated March 13 as Via 313 Pizzeria Day, a significant recognition marking the indelible ties between the celebrated pizza brand and the vibrant city where its innovative concept first took root. What began in 2011 as a humble food trailer, pioneering the introduction of Motor City-style pies to the Lone Star State, has since blossomed into a formidable national brand, boasting over 26 locations across multiple states. This proclamation not only solidifies Via 313’s place in Austin’s rich culinary tapestry but also celebrates its remarkable journey from a local sensation to a widely acclaimed purveyor of authentic Detroit-style pizza.
To commemorate this inaugural 313 Day, Via 313 Pizzeria is rolling out a special, one-day-only celebration designed to thank its loyal customers and invite new patrons to experience its signature offerings. On March 13, the brand will feature its iconic "Detroiters" – a double-pepperoni Detroit-style pizza that has become synonymous with Via 313 – and classic cheese Detroit-style pizzas, both priced at an accessible $10. Complementing these culinary deals, all Texas and Colorado locations will host an all-day happy hour, providing an extended opportunity for guests to indulge in the brand’s unique flavors and festive atmosphere. This special event underscores Via 313’s commitment to the communities that have supported its growth, offering a tangible way for patrons to participate in this milestone celebration.
The Genesis of an Icon: Via 313’s Origin Story
The story of Via 313 Pizzeria is one deeply rooted in heritage, entrepreneurial spirit, and a passion for bringing a taste of home to a new locale. Founded in 2011 by Detroit natives Brandon and Zane Hunt, the brand emerged from a simple yet profound desire: to share the distinctive culinary tradition of Detroit-style pizza with the people of Austin, Texas. At a time when this particular style of pizza was largely unknown outside of Michigan, the Hunt brothers embarked on a mission to introduce Austin to the deep-dish, rectangular pies characterized by their thick, airy crust, generous layer of brick cheese caramelized around the edges, and signature stripes of sauce on top.
Their initial venture was unconventional, even for Austin’s eclectic food scene. Via 313 started as a modest food trailer, a mobile kitchen from which the Hunt brothers meticulously crafted their Motor City-style pizzas. This grassroots approach allowed them to connect directly with customers, building a loyal following one square slice at a time. The unique textural experience – the crispy, cheesy "frico" crust, the soft interior, and the robust flavors – quickly captivated Austin diners. Word of mouth spread rapidly, establishing Via 313 as a must-try culinary destination. This early success propelled the brand’s expansion from its original trailer into more permanent brick-and-mortar restaurants, allowing it to scale operations and meet the surging demand.
The appeal of Detroit-style pizza, as popularized by Via 313, lies in its distinct characteristics. Unlike New York-style or Chicago deep-dish, Detroit-style pizza is baked in rectangular steel pans, traditionally used in auto factories as utility trays. This unique baking method, combined with the generous use of Wisconsin brick cheese that extends to the edges of the pan, creates a wonderfully caramelized, crispy cheese crust that is a hallmark of the style. The sauce, often applied in "racing stripes" on top of the cheese and toppings, ensures a fresh, bright flavor profile that balances the richness of the cheese and crust. Via 313 perfected this art, earning critical acclaim and a devoted customer base that appreciated the authenticity and quality of their offerings.
The Significance of "313 Day"
The official designation of March 13 as Via 313 Pizzeria Day by the City of Austin carries profound cultural and symbolic weight. As Kiplan Welsch, President of Via 313, eloquently stated, "For Detroiters, 313 isn’t just an area code – it’s an identity." This statement encapsulates the deep-seated pride and community spirit associated with the 313 area code in Detroit, a sentiment that Brandon and Zane Hunt carried with them to Austin. Their venture was not merely about selling pizza; it was about sharing a piece of their heritage, a culinary tradition that embodies the resilience, craftsmanship, and distinct flavor of their hometown.
The fact that Austin, a city known globally for its "Keep Austin Weird" ethos and a fiercely independent culinary landscape, has officially recognized a brand born from this concept is a testament to Via 313’s success in integrating itself into the city’s fabric. It’s a "full-circle moment," as Welsch noted, highlighting how a regional specialty from one city can find a new home and thrive in another, becoming part of its unique story. This proclamation celebrates the entrepreneurial journey of two brothers who started "slinging pizzas out of a trailer" and built a brand that resonates deeply with its adopted community. It signifies Austin’s appreciation for businesses that bring unique flavors and cultural narratives, enriching the city’s diverse gastronomic scene.
Beyond its symbolic value, the establishment of Via 313 Pizzeria Day also acknowledges the brand’s tangible contributions to Austin. It recognizes the economic impact through job creation, local sourcing, and attracting culinary tourism. It also celebrates Via 313’s role in introducing a beloved regional American food to a broader audience, fostering culinary diversity and appreciation for different food traditions. This official recognition elevates Via 313 from a popular local eatery to a cultural institution, cementing its legacy within Austin’s vibrant history.
Growth Trajectory and National Footprint
From its humble beginnings as a single food trailer, Via 313 Pizzeria has embarked on an impressive growth trajectory, evolving into a nationally recognized brand with a significant footprint. Today, the company operates 26 locations, a robust portfolio that includes full-service restaurants, the original iconic food truck, and two permanently placed trailers. This expansion spans across key markets in Texas, Colorado, and Utah, with plans for additional growth already on the horizon. This multi-format approach allows Via 313 to cater to diverse customer preferences and market dynamics, from traditional dining experiences to more casual, accessible food truck offerings.
Via 313’s expansion aligns with a broader national trend in the pizza industry: the surging popularity of Detroit-style pizza. What was once a regional specialty, largely confined to its birthplace, has exploded onto the national culinary scene, becoming a sought-after item in pizzerias across the country. Via 313 played a pivotal role in this movement, acting as an early trailblazer that introduced and perfected the style for markets outside of Michigan. Its commitment to authenticity and quality ensured that as Detroit-style pizza gained traction, Via 313 remained at the forefront, recognized as a benchmark for the style.
The brand’s excellence has not gone unnoticed by culinary critics and industry publications. Via 313 has garnered an impressive array of accolades, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the pizza world:
- Food and Wine Magazine lauded Via 313 as offering "one of the very best pizzas," a testament to its exceptional quality and flavor profile.
- Pizza Today, a leading industry publication, recognized Via 313 as the "Independent Pizzeria of the Year," highlighting its innovative business model and market success.
- Food Network included Via 313 in its prestigious list of the "Top 10 Pizzas in America," placing it among the elite pizza establishments nationwide.
- USA Today honored Via 313 with the title of "Best Gluten-Free Pizza in America," showcasing the brand’s commitment to catering to diverse dietary needs without compromising on taste or quality.
These awards not only validate Via 313’s culinary prowess but also underscore its impact on the national pizza landscape. They demonstrate the brand’s ability to consistently deliver a high-quality product that resonates with both critics and consumers, cementing its status as an industry leader and a true pioneer of Detroit-style pizza’s national ascent.
Engaging the Community: Loyalty Programs and Future Initiatives
Beyond its core product, Via 313 Pizzeria has cultivated a robust community engagement strategy, particularly through its innovative loyalty program and seasonal offerings. To celebrate "313 Month" – a broader month-long tribute extending beyond the singular Via 313 Pizzeria Day – the brand is offering enticing "313 Month Rewards" for its loyalty members. This program is designed to deepen customer relationships, encourage repeat visits, and introduce patrons to new and exciting menu items.
Loyalty members have the opportunity to earn bonus points and unlock special badges by trying seasonal culinary creations. For March, these include the distinctive Big Dill Pizza, which offers a unique flavor profile; a creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip, perfect for sharing; and the decadent Turtle Hub Cap dessert, a sweet treat to cap off any meal. This gamified approach to loyalty rewards not only incentivizes exploration of the menu but also fosters a sense of achievement and exclusivity among members.
The stakes are even higher with exclusive prizes tied to participation and badge accumulation. Participants can enter to win a coveted "313 Month swag package," featuring branded merchandise that allows fans to proudly display their allegiance to Via 313. For larger gatherings, the brand is offering a "pizza party for 20," providing an ultimate group dining experience. The most dedicated members who achieve the esteemed "Legend" badge unlock unparalleled access: early entry to upcoming menu items and a chance to win a private cooking session with the founders themselves, Brandon and Zane Hunt. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity offers an intimate glimpse into the culinary philosophy and techniques that define Via 313.
These comprehensive loyalty initiatives underscore Via 313’s understanding of modern customer engagement. By offering a tiered rewards system, unique seasonal items, and highly desirable prizes, the brand successfully builds a vibrant community around its product. It transforms dining into an interactive experience, encouraging exploration, rewarding loyalty, and fostering a strong emotional connection between the brand and its patrons. Fans eager to partake in future celebrations and exclusive perks are encouraged to join Via 313’s rewards program, ensuring they remain at the forefront of all upcoming promotions and events.
Strategic Partnership: The Role of Savory Fund
Via 313’s impressive growth and expansion trajectory have been significantly bolstered by its strategic partnership with Savory Fund, an innovative private equity firm specializing in the restaurant industry. Savory Fund brings a unique blend of financial capital and operational expertise, designed to accelerate the growth of high-potential, profitable emerging restaurant brands. With over $750 million in assets under management, Savory Fund’s model goes beyond mere investment; it actively partners with brands, leveraging a growth playbook developed over 16 years of operating experience in the sector.
For Via 313, this partnership has been instrumental in navigating the complexities of multi-state expansion. Savory Fund provides critical financial capital necessary for new location development, infrastructure improvements, and marketing initiatives. Crucially, it also offers invaluable industry expertise, guiding Via 313 through strategic planning, operational efficiencies, and market penetration strategies. This collaboration helps unlock growth and revenue opportunities, enhances profitability, and streamlines the process of replicating the brand’s successful model across new territories.
A cornerstone of the Savory approach is its emphasis on founder involvement. Recognizing that the "tribal knowledge" and unique vision of the founders are essential to a brand’s early success and future authenticity, Savory Fund ensures that Brandon and Zane Hunt remain deeply integrated in the expansion process. This commitment helps preserve the core values and distinctive quality that first endeared Via 313 to its customers, even as it scales nationally. This model distinguishes Savory Fund from traditional private equity firms, fostering a collaborative environment where founders’ insights are valued and integrated into growth strategies.
Savory Fund’s diverse portfolio showcases its expertise across various restaurant concepts, indicating a deep understanding of the fast-casual and full-service dining landscapes. Their current investments include popular brands such as Swig, R&R BBQ, PINCHO, Mo’ Bettahs Hawaiian Style Food, Saigon Hustle, Hash Kitchen, The Sicilian Butcher, Houston TX Hot Chicken, South Block, Bonrue Bakery, and Hawkers Asian Street Food, alongside operational support companies like 86 Repairs. This broad experience allows Savory Fund to draw on a wealth of knowledge and best practices, further benefiting brands like Via 313 as they continue to grow and innovate within a competitive market. The partnership with Savory Fund positions Via 313 for sustained success, providing the resources and strategic guidance needed to solidify its national presence and continue its legacy of bringing authentic Detroit-style pizza to new communities.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The designation of Via 313 Pizzeria Day by the City of Austin is more than just a celebratory gesture; it carries significant broader implications for the brand, the local economy, and the national culinary landscape. For Via 313, this official recognition solidifies its status as an integral part of Austin’s cultural and gastronomic identity. It provides an unparalleled boost to brand equity, reinforcing its authenticity and local roots even as it expands into new markets. This kind of city-level endorsement is invaluable for marketing and public relations, distinguishing Via 313 from competitors and enhancing its appeal to both new and existing customers.
Economically, Via 313’s growth, supported by the Savory Fund, contributes substantially to job creation, both directly through its restaurants and indirectly through its supply chain. As the brand expands its footprint, it stimulates local economies by creating employment opportunities, purchasing local goods and services where feasible, and contributing to tax revenues. Its success also highlights Austin’s role as a fertile ground for culinary innovation and entrepreneurial success, potentially attracting more food-related businesses and talent to the city.
From a culinary perspective, Via 313 has played a crucial role in the national popularization of Detroit-style pizza. Its success demonstrates the power of regional American cuisine to transcend geographical boundaries and gain mainstream appeal. This trend enriches the national palate, offering consumers a wider array of authentic food experiences. Via 313’s ability to maintain high quality and authenticity across multiple locations, as evidenced by its numerous awards, sets a benchmark for other regional brands looking to scale.
Looking ahead, Via 313’s "additional expansion on the horizon" suggests a continued growth trajectory. With the strategic backing of Savory Fund, the brand is well-positioned to explore new markets, refine its operational model, and further innovate its menu offerings while staying true to its Detroit roots. The emphasis on loyalty programs and community engagement indicates a forward-thinking approach to customer retention and brand building, essential for long-term success in the competitive restaurant industry. The fusion of a compelling origin story, an exceptional product, strong community ties, and strategic investment creates a powerful formula for Via 313’s enduring legacy.
In conclusion, Via 313 Pizzeria’s journey from a pioneering food trailer in Austin to a celebrated national brand culminating in its own city-designated day is a remarkable testament to vision, quality, and community connection. The inaugural Via 313 Pizzeria Day on March 13, 2026, with its special offers and all-day happy hour, is not merely a promotion but a celebration of a brand that brought a cherished piece of Detroit to Austin, made it its own, and shared it with the nation. As Via 313 continues its growth, it stands as a shining example of how passion for food, combined with strategic acumen, can transform a local favorite into an iconic American success story.
