Our Story

Born in Detroit,
Made in Austin

From a humble popup on the streets of Austin to a beloved local institution — this is the story of Via 313 and the square pie that changed everything.

Inside Via 313 - our kitchen where Detroit-style pizzas are crafted
2011 Est. Austin, TX
Our Story

How Two Brothers Changed Pizza in Austin

Via 313 was born from Detroit roots and Austin spirit — a love letter to the square, crispy-edged pies of Motor City, hand-delivered to one of America's most food-obsessed cities.

Brothers Brandon and Zane Hunt grew up in Detroit, where pizza meant thick, rectangular slabs baked in old steel pans — with cheese that caramelized right to the edges and sauce ladled on top. When they moved to Austin, they couldn't find anything close to home. So they built it themselves.

Starting as a backyard popup, then a trailer on South Congress, Via 313 quickly became the talk of Austin's food scene. The combination of house-made dough, Wisconsin brick cheese, and signature sauces placed on top — not under — the cheese created a flavor profile that was entirely unique. Lines formed. Reviews poured in. Legends were made.

Today, Via 313 has multiple Austin locations, a devoted following of pizza enthusiasts, and a simple promise: every pie is handcrafted with the same love and care that built this brand from a trailer window.

13+
Years in Austin
4
Austin Locations
500K+
Pies Served
#1
Detroit-Style in TX

Mission & Vision

We Exist to Serve the Most Honest Pizza You've Ever Eaten

No shortcuts. No frozen dough. No compromise. Every Via 313 pizza starts with house-made dough, proofed for 24–72 hours, pressed into well-seasoned pans, and topped with the highest-quality ingredients we can source. This is our promise — and our obsession.

Our Mission

To bring Detroit's most iconic food tradition to Austin — and to every person who deserves a pizza made with real passion and real ingredients.

Our Vision

To be the pizza that defines a city's culture — a gathering place, a community anchor, and a benchmark of craft food done right.

Our Commitment

Fresh, locally sourced toppings wherever possible, zero artificial preservatives, and a team paid and treated well — because great pizza starts with great people.

What We Stand For

Our Core Values

Everything we do — from the dough we proof to the team we build — reflects these principles.

Craft & Quality

We never cut corners. Every pie is made by hand with premium ingredients and decades of Detroit-style tradition baked in.

Community First

Austin made us. We give back through local partnerships, charity events, and by being a place where everyone feels at home.

Honest Ingredients

We source locally when possible, keep our ingredient list clean, and let the natural flavors speak for themselves.

Relentless Hospitality

Every guest matters. From your first visit to your hundredth, we aim to make you feel like family — every single time.

Our Journey

The Via 313 Timeline

From a backyard dream to Austin's most beloved pizza brand — here's how we got here.

2011 — The Beginning

A Backyard Popup Changes Everything

Brothers Brandon and Zane Hunt start selling Detroit-style pies out of their backyard in Austin, TX. The response is overwhelming — neighbors become regulars, regulars become fans.

2012 — The Trailer Era

South Lamar Food Trailer Opens

Via 313 opens its first food trailer on South Lamar Boulevard. Lines stretch around the block. Austin food critics take notice, and the brand earns its first major press coverage.

2014 — Going Brick & Mortar

First Restaurant Opens on E 6th Street

Via 313 transitions from trailer to restaurant, opening its first brick-and-mortar location on East 6th Street. The iconic space becomes a neighborhood anchor and Austin institution.

2017 — Expansion

Second & Third Locations Launch

Demand drives growth. Via 313 opens two additional Austin locations, bringing the signature square pie to more neighborhoods and introducing the catering program.

2020 — Resilience

Pivoting to Community Support

During challenging times, Via 313 pivots to delivery-first service, donates thousands of pies to healthcare workers, and supports laid-off restaurant staff across Austin.

2024 — Today & Beyond

A Fourth Location & New Horizons

Via 313 opens its fourth Austin location, launches an online ordering platform, and continues to refine the pie that started it all — while staying true to the Detroit roots that define every square.

Meet the Team

The People Behind the Pies

Every great pizza has a great team behind it. Meet the passionate people who make Via 313 what it is.

Co-Founder & CEO

Brandon Hunt

Detroit native and pizza visionary. Brandon brought his childhood obsession with square pies to Austin and never looked back. He oversees operations and menu development.

Co-Founder & Culinary

Zane Hunt

The flavor architect of Via 313. Zane perfected the dough recipe, sourced the Wisconsin brick cheese, and continues to push the boundaries of Detroit-style with seasonal specials.

Head Chef

Maria Delgado

With 15 years of kitchen experience across Austin's top restaurants, Maria brings discipline, creativity, and heart to every oven at Via 313's East 6th flagship.

Operations Manager

James Torres

James keeps the Via 313 machine running across all four locations. From supply chain to staff scheduling, he ensures every guest experience is consistently excellent.

Passionate about pizza? We're always looking for great people to join our crew.

View Open Positions
Ready to Taste the Story?

Come Experience Detroit-Style Pizza the Austin Way

Every square pie tells the story of two brothers, one great city, and a whole lot of cheese. Visit us at any of our Austin locations or place your order online today.

Fresh Detroit-style pizza being served at Via 313