Our Story

About Green Lantern Pizza

For over six decades, Green lantern pizza has been crafting legendary pies in Madison Heights, MI — built on family recipes, fresh ingredients, and a deep love for the craft.

The Story Behind
Every Slice

It all started in 1963 when founder Robert "Bobby" Carr opened the first Green lantern pizza location on John R Road in Madison Heights, Michigan. Bobby had a simple belief: great pizza starts with great ingredients, made by people who genuinely care.

Over the decades, what began as a small neighborhood pizzeria grew into a beloved institution. Generations of families have celebrated birthdays, graduations, and ordinary Tuesday nights with our hand-tossed pies, fresh-made dough, and slow-simmered sauce — the same recipe Bobby perfected in his mom's kitchen.

Today, Green lantern pizza continues that tradition. We source locally whenever possible, knead every dough ball by hand, and never cut corners on quality. The green lantern above our door isn't just a sign — it's a promise that something legendary awaits inside.

60+
Years Open
1M+
Pizzas Served
4.8★
Avg Rating
1963
Founded
Green lantern pizza restaurant interior with warm lighting and classic decor

Our Mission & Values

Every decision we make — from the flour we use to the way we greet you at the door — flows from these core commitments.

Fresh First

We source fresh, quality ingredients every single day. No shortcuts, no compromises — only the best makes it into our kitchen.

Made with Love

Every pizza is hand-crafted by our team with genuine care. We believe food made with passion simply tastes better.

Community Roots

Madison Heights is home. We support local suppliers, sponsor youth sports, and give back to the neighborhood that built us.

Legacy Quality

Our original recipes have stood the test of time. We honor that legacy while constantly learning and improving our craft.

The Values That
Guide Us Daily

01
Honesty in Every Ingredient

We label our ingredients, disclose allergens, and never use fillers or artificial flavors. What you see on the menu is exactly what you get in the box.

02
Respect for Our Team

Our staff are family. Fair wages, flexible scheduling, and a positive kitchen culture mean our team genuinely enjoys their work — and that shows in the food.

03
Consistency You Can Count On

Whether it's your first visit or your five-hundredth, your pizza should taste exactly the same. We train rigorously to ensure that promise is kept every shift.

04
Sustainable Practices

We reduce food waste, use eco-friendly packaging, and partner with local farms to minimize our footprint while maximizing flavor.

Fresh pizza ingredients and dough preparation at Green lantern pizza kitchen

Our History Timeline

Six decades of growth, community, and legendary pizza — here are the moments that shaped us.

1963

Doors Open on John R Road

Bobby Carr opens the first Green lantern pizza location in Madison Heights, MI with a 12-seat dining room and a hand-built brick oven. The line goes out the door on day one.

1972

First Expansion & Delivery Launch

Growing demand leads to a full dining room renovation, doubling capacity. Green lantern pizza becomes one of the first local pizzerias to offer home delivery in the Metro Detroit area.

1988

Second Generation Takes the Helm

Bobby's daughter, Sandra Carr, joins the business full-time after culinary school. She introduces new specialty pies and the fan-favorite garlic butter sauce still used today.

1999

Michigan's Best Pizza Award

Green lantern pizza is recognized as one of Michigan's top independent pizzerias. The award puts us on the regional map and brings visitors from across the state.

2010

Online Ordering Goes Live

We launch our first online ordering platform, making it easier than ever for customers to enjoy Green lantern pizza from the comfort of home. Digital orders grow 300% in the first year.

2023

60th Anniversary Celebration

We celebrate six decades of serving Madison Heights with a community block party, a limited-anniversary menu, and a renewed commitment to the next 60 years of legendary pizza.

Meet Our Team

The passionate individuals behind every perfectly crafted pie and every warm welcome at Green lantern pizza.

Sandra Carr, Owner and Head Pizzaiola at Green lantern pizza
Sandra Carr
Owner & Head Pizzaiola

Second-generation owner with over 35 years in the kitchen. Sandra trained in Naples and brought authentic techniques back to Madison Heights. She personally approves every new recipe on our menu.

Marcus Delray, Executive Chef at Green lantern pizza
Marcus Delray
Executive Chef

Marcus brings 20 years of culinary expertise to our kitchen. A former Detroit restaurant chef, he leads daily prep, seasonal specials, and makes sure every pizza that leaves our oven is flawless.

Priya Nair, Operations Manager at Green lantern pizza
Priya Nair
Operations Manager

The organizational backbone of our restaurant, Priya ensures everything runs on time, on budget, and above standard. Her attention to detail and team-first leadership keep Green lantern pizza firing on all cylinders.

Jake Sorenson, Lead Dough Artisan at Green lantern pizza
Jake Sorenson
Lead Dough Artisan

Jake has been hand-crafting our dough since 2008. A true pizza obsessive, he experiments with fermentation times and flour blends to make sure our crust is always the perfect balance of crispy and chewy.

Passionate about great food? We're always looking for talented people.

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Experience Green Lantern Pizza Today

Now that you know our story, come be a part of it. Order your favorite pie and taste over 60 years of legendary craft in every bite.

Order Now