Jet’s Pizza: The Complete Guide to Detroit’s Deep Dish Dynasty

From a Michigan party store to 448 locations across 23 states — here’s everything you need to know about Jet’s Pizza, its iconic Detroit-style pies, and why it’s earned a devoted following for nearly five decades.

When Eugene Jetts was on his way to buy a house in 1978, he changed direction — literally. He signed a lease on a vacant party store in Sterling Heights, Michigan instead, roping in his brother John, and opened what would become one of America’s most beloved pizza chains. Nearly five decades later, that impulsive pivot has turned into Jet’s Pizza: a 448-location franchise that has made Detroit-style deep dish a mainstream obsession.

If you’ve never tried Jet’s, you’re missing a genuinely distinct pizza experience. And if you’re already a fan, this guide covers everything — the history, the menu, the signature styles, the ordering tips, and why Jet’s continues to grow while so many other chains plateau.

What Is Jet’s Pizza?

Jet’s Pizza is an American pizza chain founded in Sterling Heights, Michigan, specializing in Detroit-style deep dish pizza. Unlike the tall, bready Chicago deep dish you might be picturing, Detroit-style is baked in rectangular steel pans that produce a thick, airy crust with an almost fried, caramelized bottom and cheesy, crispy edges — a result of the cheese being pressed all the way to the pan’s walls before the sauce goes on top.

It’s a regional style that Jet’s helped bring to a national audience, and its signature steel-pan method is the cornerstone of everything on the menu.

The History of Jet’s Pizza

Eugene and John Jetts opened their first location — Jetts Party Shoppe & Pizzeria — in Sterling Heights, Michigan in 1978. The brothers had a clear philosophy: use the freshest ingredients, prepare dough by hand daily, and never compromise on quality.

Growth was steady. The Jetts family brought in cousins and partners to form Jet’s America Inc. and begin franchising. By 2024, the chain had 425 franchises across 22 states. As of 2026, that number has climbed to 448 locations in 23 states, with Michigan still accounting for roughly 37% of all stores — a testament to the chain’s deep roots in its home state.

In recent years, Jet’s has leaned into technology to keep up with changing ordering habits. In 2021, the chain partnered with HungerRush to deploy OrderAI software, initially enabling text-message ordering. By August 2022, Jet’s had successfully piloted OrderAI Talk — an AI-powered phone system that routes call-in orders through an intelligent bot rather than a live operator.

Jet’s Pizza Menu: What to Order

The Signature: Detroit-Style Deep Dish

This is what Jet’s is known for, and it deserves all the attention it gets. Available in an 8-slice large or a 4-slice small, the Detroit-style deep dish is built with premium mozzarella packed edge-to-edge into seasoned steel pans. The result is a caramelized, lacy cheese border on every corner — and if you’ve never experienced a Jet’s corner piece, you’re in for a revelation.

Crust Styles at Jet’s Pizza

Jet’s isn’t a one-trick pony. Beyond the deep dish, the menu includes:

• Hand-tossed round — the classic, available in multiple sizes
• Thin crust — wide, foldable, available in large (6 slices)
• New York-style — big, foldable slices with a chewy edge
• Cauliflower crust — available in small (4 pieces)
• Gluten-sensitive crust — note: cross-contact with gluten is possible; not recommended for celiac sufferers

Flavorize Your Crust — For Free

One of Jet’s most popular differentiators is their free crust flavoring upgrade. Customers can choose from:

• Butter
• Cajun
• Garlic
• Romano
• Sesame Seed
• Turbo Crust® — a signature blend of butter, garlic, and Romano cheese baked right into the edge

It’s the kind of detail that turns a good pizza into a memorable one.

Specialty Pizzas Worth Trying

Jet’s offers a range of signature pies beyond build-your-own. Standouts include:

• All Meats — pepperoni, ham, bacon, Italian sausage, and hamburger
• BBQ Chicken — BBQ sauce, grilled chicken, pineapple, and bacon
• BLT Pizza — bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo on a pizza
• Chicken Bacon Ranch — Jet’s ranch, mozzarella, cheddar, grilled chicken, and bacon
• Garden — mushrooms, onions, green peppers, black olives, and tomatoes

Beyond Pizza: The Full Jet’s Menu

Wings, boneless chicken, salads, Turbo Stix (cheesy bread baked Detroit-style), Deli Boats® (calzone-style sandwiches baked in pizza dough), and desserts round out a menu that can easily feed a crowd with varying preferences.

Where Is Jet’s Pizza Available?

Jet’s currently operates in 23 US states, with the heaviest concentration in Michigan (166 locations) and strong presences in Ohio, Florida, Illinois, and Texas. Other states include Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

To find the nearest location, visit jetspizza.com and use the store locator. Delivery is available through Jet’s own website, and many locations are also accessible through third-party delivery apps.

Why Jet’s Pizza Has Such a Loyal Following

In a market saturated with national pizza chains, Jet’s has carved out something genuinely different. Detroit-style pizza isn’t just a format — it’s a philosophy. The focus on hand-prepared dough, vine-ripened tomatoes, Italian herbs and spices, and hand-grated premium mozzarella gives Jet’s a consistency that fans count on.

The free crust flavoring feels like a gift every time. And the corners — always the corners — keep people coming back.

There’s also a family-owned authenticity to the brand that’s hard to manufacture. Eugene Jetts didn’t follow a corporate playbook; he followed a passion. That origin story still resonates, and the company still leads with it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jet’s Pizza

What is Detroit-style pizza?

Detroit-style is a thick, rectangular deep-dish pizza baked in seasoned steel pans. The cheese extends to the edges of the pan, caramelizing into crispy borders, and the sauce is typically added on top of the cheese rather than underneath it.

Is Jet’s Pizza a franchise?

Yes. Jet’s America Inc. operates as a franchise system. As of 2026, there are 448 franchise locations across 23 US states.

Does Jet’s Pizza offer gluten-free options?

Jet’s offers a gluten-sensitive crust, but they’re transparent that cross-contact with gluten is possible in their kitchens. They do not recommend it for people with celiac disease and caution those with gluten sensitivities.

What is Turbo Crust at Jet’s Pizza?

Turbo Crust® is Jet’s signature free crust upgrade — a combination of butter, garlic, and Romano cheese baked into the edge of any pizza. It’s one of the most popular customizations on the menu.

Can I order Jet’s Pizza online?

Yes. Orders can be placed on jetspizza.com for delivery or pickup. Jet’s also supports text-message ordering via their OrderAI system, and many locations appear on major third-party delivery platforms.

Who founded Jet’s Pizza?

Jet’s was founded by brothers Eugene and John Jetts in Sterling Heights, Michigan in 1978. Eugene is often credited as the driving force behind the original concept.

How many Jet’s Pizza locations are there?

As of 2026, Jet’s Pizza has approximately 448 locations across 23 US states, with Michigan being the most heavily represented state at around 166 locations.