How Detroit-Style Pizza Grew from a Trailer to 25 Locations in Just Seven Years

How Detroit-Style Pizza Grew from a Trailer to 25 Locations in Just Seven Years

Author: Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast, sponsored by Custom Business Solutions March 13, 2026 Duration: 39:52

In this episode, Jeremy Julian sits down with Kiplen Welsh, President of Via 313, to explore the incredible journey of building a rapidly expanding restaurant brand rooted in Detroit-style pizza. They discuss strategic growth, innovative menu development, off-premise excellence, and the value of thoughtful partnerships in scaling a restaurant business sustainably.

00:00 - Welcome to the Restaurant Technology Guys podcast
00:41 - Introduction of Kip Welsh and Via 313’s origin story
01:54 - Background of Kip’s career in casual dining
03:01 - Overview of Detroit-style pizza and brand concept
04:25 - Detroit style pizza history and what sets it apart
05:54 - The trailer beginnings and early challenges
07:06 - Growth milestones and multiple locations in Texas and Utah
08:50 - Partnership with Savory Restaurant Fund and brand protection
09:22 - Rapid expansion and future pipeline through 2026
10:11 - Why Detroit-style pizza is gaining more recognition
11:47 - Unique flavor profile and competitive landscape
12:23 - How Detroit-style pizza creates a different culinary experience
14:23 - On-premise vs. off-premise strategy and travelability of product
15:44 - Packaging innovations for delivery and takeout success
16:17 - Digital ordering, third-party partnerships, and mini brick-and-mortar models
17:55 - The potential of food trucks for market testing and expansion
18:39 - Balancing growth with quality and responsible operations
19:50 - Creative menu development and guest-driven innovation
21:30 - Launching limited-time offers and new flavor experiments
23:38 - Future menu strategies, including salads and desserts
24:36 - Importance of staying inventive and not relying solely on staples
25:37 - Personal favorite menu items and flavor combinations
27:19 - The partnership with Savory Fund: how it fosters responsible growth
28:57 - How to maintain brand integrity while scaling
33:02 - Connecting with customers through loyalty programs and marketing
36:54 - Exciting new initiatives like the food truck launch and market expansion
38:16 - The value of sustainable, responsible growth over rapid, unchecked expansion
39:09 - Closing remarks and encouragement for restaurant owners to consider strategic partnerships


Ever feel like the tech in your restaurant is more of a headache than a help? You’re not alone. The Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast brought to you by Custom Business Solutions cuts through the noise, offering real talk from people who’ve been in the trenches. Host Jeremy brings a lifetime of perspective-his family founded Custom Business Solutions, and he spent school vacations soldering components, giving him a unique, ground-up understanding of the systems that keep dining rooms and kitchens humming. This isn’t abstract theory; it’s practical knowledge forged from years of combined hands-on experience in implementation, marketing, and daily operations. Each episode feels like a conversation with a trusted advisor, breaking down complex topics into actionable advice you can use immediately. Whether it’s navigating a new point-of-sale rollout, understanding how to leverage data, or simply making your current tech stack work harder for you, this podcast provides clarity. Tune in for straightforward discussions that focus on one core goal: using technology to run your business more smoothly and profitably. It’s a resource built on genuine expertise, designed specifically for owners and operators who need reliable solutions, not just flashy trends.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Restaurant Technology Guys Podcast brought to you by Custom Business Solutions
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