Classic pizza arriving

The “King of Pepperoni” is bringing a new pizzeria to the Rochester area with a new Green Lantern Pizza, 1366 Walton, Rochester Hills, expected to open by late summer, said franchise owner Todd Kovacic. The carryout location will be the sixth Green Lantern Pizza location, and the first in the area, with other locations in Madison Heights, Clinton Township, Sterling Heights, Macomb and Royal Oak. Started more than half a century ago, the pizzeria was begun by Thomas and Irene Vettraino at an old farmhouse bar equipped with a green lantern. The business was taken over by the founders’ children and is known for its old-fashioned pizza and bold pepperoni sliced in-store. Kovacic got into franchising the pizzerias after working for General Motors for 23 years. “I got hooked up with the family and honed in on the pizza business,” he said. “They liked my operational background and trusted me.” The Rochester Hills location will be the third opened by Kovacic, who is in the process of remodeling the store from a virtually empty box.

Business Matters for the Rochester area are reported by Kevin Elliott. Send items for consideration to KevinElliott@downtownpublications.com. Items should be received three weeks prior to publication.