Some of the world's largest pizza chains began in Michigan: Here are their origin stories

Layla McMurtrie, Detroit Free Press
·2 min read
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A blind date arranged in 1954 ignited the flame for the start of one of America's top pizza franchises. Can you guess which one?

It seems as if Michigan is a hot spot for birthing the nation's top pizza spots, as many of the largest franchises in the world started right here in the mitten state.

Check out the history behind these four large pizza chains enjoyed by millions:

Little Caesars

Without Mike Ilitch and Marian Bayoff's first date, Little Caesars may have never come to be. But, the couple ended up getting married and using their life savings to open the first pizza store in Garden City in 1959.

Little Caesars first franchise location opened in Warren in 1962 and the first location in the city of Detroit opened five years later, as stated on the company's website.

The company is now one of the largest pizza chains in the U.S. with more than 4,000 locations.

More: Little Caesars now the new official pizza sponsor of the NFL

More: Detroit is the No. 1 pizza city in America, study says

Domino's Pizza 

The first Domino's Pizza location was opened in Ypsilanti in 1960.
The first Domino's Pizza location was opened in Ypsilanti in 1960.

With locations in 90 countries, this pizza chain, which is the largest globally, was also Michigan-made.

Tom and James Monaghan bought what was originally "Dominick's Pizza," for $900, opening the first Domino's in 1960 in Ypsilanti.

The first franchise location opened in 1967 and the franchise now sells the most pizza annually in America and around the world.

Hungry Howies

Yet another famous pizza franchise, Hungry Howies, was birthed in Taylor, Michigan in 1973 by Jim Hearn.

Now, Hungry Howies is one of the top 10 pizza franchise operations in the nation and has around 600 stores in 20 states.

Jet's Pizza

Famous for Detroit style deep dish, Jet's Pizza also emerged in the Mitten State by Eugene Jetts, who leased a space in Sterling Heights in 1978.

At the time, the now legendary pizza chain was named "Jetts Party Shoppe and Pizzeria." Today, there are close to 400 Jet's Pizzas in 19 states.

While many may not have realized it, with these four large pizza franchises alone, Michigan takes the crown when it comes to pizza shop beginnings.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: World's largest pizza chains began in Michigan: Their stories