DeLuca’s Restaurant and Pizzeria
This Michigan shop introduced several pizza innovations to Lansing, including the tuna pizza.
Opened in 1960, the Willow Bar started out as a neighborhood watering hole for nearby factory workers in Lansing, Michigan. But the pizza they served—developed by Italian immigrants Pat DeLuca and his brother Jim—became so popular the business eventually switched its name to DeLuca’s Restaurant and Pizzeria (delucaspizza.com). When Jim retired in 1977, the transition to family eatery was already under way as word spread about the pies, which featured a hearty sauce, a medium-thick crust, and generous amounts of cheese and toppings.
“When they opened the business, ethnic foods were just starting to be popular, and pizza was only a part of what they offered,” says Pat’s son John DeLuca, who owns the pizzeria with his brothers, Chuck and Tom. “But years of perseverance and a dedication to the consistency of the food worked well.” Eventually, the family would introduce several pizza innovations to Lansing, in size (the 18” pie), toppings (spinach pizza and tuna pizza) and varieties (including stuffed crust and deep dish). Today, the kitchen is five times its original size to keep up with customer demand.
Accordingly, DeLuca’s has won a slew of awards and recognitions over the years. John credits the success to determination from the entire family: Pat’s wife, Helen, pitched in to develop the specialty salad dressings, while Aunt Louise worked until she was 93, priding herself on her chocolate cake and homemade Italian specialties such as manicotti and lasagna. Pat’s daughter Sue works behind the counter, greeting and serving customers, and numerous grandchildren have pitched in to help over the years. “We began working as children and have stayed with the business—we joke that pizza sauce, not blood, runs through our veins,” John says. “We’ve learned that hands-on management is important, and we never forget to appreciate our customers.” –Tracy Morin
I’ve known this guys since kids, Remember Willow Bar.haha even the pizza over moon that pic and that lady. Mum maybe aunt Louise? Best pizza & all food. Wonderful atmosphere! Congratulations To all the Delucas, esp. John Chuck & Tom ! Your old friend. Jim Boomie Mikrut
[…] was inducted into PMQ’s Pizza Hall of Fame in […]
I worked at St. Vincent Home from 1976 to 1980. The off duty staff and I often went to the Willow Bar to chill and have fun conversation after work. The pizza was incredible and got even better as time went on. I and my significant other dined at Delucas often and always looked forward to a spectacular meal. We were never disappointed. We still mourn the closing of Delucas because of what this family owned restaurant has meant to us in our lives. Best wishes to the Delucas family and think about reopening! 🙂 We miss you!