Disrupting Business Can Be As Square As a Pizza

In the business world, the word “disruptive” is often associated with cutting-edge technology, groundbreaking innovation, and industry-changing ideas. However, as we look at the history of Detroit-Style Pizza, we can see that disrupting business can be as square as a pizza.

The legacy of Detroit-Style Pizza began in 1946 at Buddy’s Rendezvous Pizzeria in Detroit, when Gus Guerra and his team made their first square-shaped pizza using forged-steel pans borrowed from local automotive plants. This allowed them to produce a light and crispy crust that is now known as Detroit-Style Pizza. Interestingly, this was the first known square pizza in the U.S. and more than 75 years later, it has become a national favorite.

Buddy’s Pizza played with their dough and sauce, experimenting with different ingredients and changing the order. By placing the sauce on top of the cheese and using different ingredients, they created a unique flavor profile that captured the hearts (and taste buds) of locals. This is a prime example of how disrupting business can be about finding a way to differentiate yourself from the competition. By taking a product or service that's already established and putting your own twist on it, you can create something new and exciting that sets you apart.

The style of Detroit-Style Pizza is recognizable by its iconic square shape and crunchy, cheesy corner slices. Influenced by Sicilian-style pizza, Detroit-Style Pizza consistently impresses pizza lovers due to its unique layering structure and stunning presentation. The process of making this pizza is also different from traditional pizza. It begins with double proofed dough perfectly fit to a square pan, allowing the dough to rise and be stretched twice. Toppings are then added in a backwards layering process.

And the best part? Detroit's pizza scene is one of the most exciting in the country, according to Food & Wine Magazine. So why not try a slice of history and taste what the hype is all about?

But what can we learn from Detroit-Style Pizza? Well, for starters, it shows that disrupting business doesn't always mean reinventing the wheel. Sometimes it's about finding a way to differentiate yourself from the competition by taking a product or service that's already established and putting your own twist on it. You can create something new and exciting that sets you apart.

If you're looking to disrupt your industry, take a cue from Buddy's Pizzeria and think outside the box, or in this case, the circle. Who knows, you just might create a legacy of your own.

And if you're ready to take your business to the next level, we're here to help. As a special offer for our readers, we're offering a complimentary business coaching discovery call to help you identify ways to differentiate your business and disrupt your industry. Just send us a message to schedule your call and let's start creating your own legacy today.