News Summary
PizzaMI, a new mobile pizzeria founded by local couple Brandon Basker and Teagan Lydon, has launched in Grand Rapids. The pizzeria emphasizes a farm-to-table approach, using local ingredients to create artisanal pizzas that highlight Michigan’s agricultural diversity. From unique toppings like rhubarb to classic options, PizzaMI also plans to expand into a brick-and-mortar location as it grows in popularity within the community.
Grand Rapids – A new mobile pizzeria named PizzaMI has officially launched in June 2021, founded by local couple Brandon Basker and Teagan Lydon. The operation aims to offer a unique culinary experience that highlights the rich agricultural diversity of Michigan, known for having the second-most diverse agriculture capacity in the United States, following California.
The couple emphasizes a farm-to-table approach, utilizing local ingredients to create artisanal pizzas that not only showcase quality produce but also promote an appreciation for local farmers and their products. This commitment to local sourcing is integral to the couple’s vision of enhancing the culinary landscape in West Michigan.
PizzaMI operates a mobile food truck featuring a menu that combines classic pizza options with inventive toppings. One of the standout pizzas is the savory rhubarb pizza topped with prosciutto and goat cheese, which exemplifies their creative take on traditional pizza recipes. Other classic choices include a Margherita pizza, while one of their signature offerings, the Umami pizza, is priced at $16 and includes ingredients such as black garlic, maitake puree, mozzarella, shiitake mushrooms, and parmigiano reggiano cheese. Another popular item is the Yankee pizza, priced at $17, which features house red sauce, mozzarella, pecorino, pepperoni, Italian sausage, whipped ricotta, and oregano.
To ensure an authentic pizza experience, the pizzas are cooked at 750 degrees in an electric oven. Although this temperature is lower than the traditional 900 degrees often used in Neapolitan-style pizza, it allows for a unique flavor and texture. The dough, made from a simple blend of flour, water, yeast, and salt—without any oil—emphasizes the couple’s dedication to high-quality, unadulterated ingredients, finished with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
All dough and sauces are prepared at a commissary kitchen, and every pizza is made to order on the truck, ensuring freshness. The dough recipe is thoughtfully adjusted according to seasonal changes and humidity levels, with a rustic, organic appearance that Basker prefers for the crust—described by him as “wild.” The couple’s innovative approach seeks to balance Italian traditions with American expectations, emphasizing using high-quality, simple ingredients that result in delightful flavors.
While neither Basker nor Lydon had formal culinary training, they share a profound passion for culinary arts and a willingness to learn. This dedication to their craft is apparent in their evolving menu, particularly in the winter months, when they pickle summer produce and offer heartier pizzas that reflect seasonal availability.
PizzaMI has become a popular addition to the local food scene, participating in various events throughout West Michigan, including breweries, apartment complexes, festivals, concerts, and private events. Their mobile presence allows them to bring their artisanal pizzas directly to customers within the community.
Currently, a weekly schedule for PizzaMI is posted every Sunday on their website, detailing their locations, hours, and catering inquiries. As the business continues to grow, Basker and Lydon express aspirations for expanding PizzaMI into a brick-and-mortar restaurant in the future, allowing them to reach even more pizza enthusiasts while further showcasing the bounty of Michigan’s agriculture.
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Additional Resources
- Michigan’s Best: Mobile Pizzeria
- Fox17: Return to the River
- MLive: Food Truck Fridays
- MLive: Founders Brewing Taproom Closure
- MLive: Top 12 Pizzas
- Wikipedia: Food Truck
- Google Search: Michigan Agriculture
- Google Scholar: Food Truck Business
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pizza
- Google News: Grand Rapids Food Scene
