Ever heard of Detroit-style pizza? No? You’re about to become a fan.
Emmy Squared, a restaurant based out of Brooklyn, New York will be opening its first international location in Abu Dhabi towards the end of this year, brought to you by the founder of Akiba Dori.
The restaurant, which will be opening on Yas Bay Waterfront, will be the first of its kind in the UAE, serving Detroit-style pizza in a country that has every type of pizza imaginable—and is always eager to try something new.
Ok, what’s Detroit-style pizza? It’s got a square shape, crispy bottom, and a fluffy focaccia-like dough, along with a carmelized cheesy ‘frico’ crust’ and stripes of sauce.
Around the US, it’s a cult-favorite, and while many point to New York and Chicago as having the country’s best pizza, Detroit pizza has a devoted following all its own. The fact that Emmy Squared was able to survive in New York, the home of one of the most famous styles of pizza, is testament in and of itself.
The restaurant will also offer handcrafted sandwich options served on a buttery pretzel bun, including a double-stacked grass-fed burger “Le Big Matt” and fresh, seasonal salads, starter plate options like the Sriracha Crystal glaze wings, the cheesy garlic stick and other signature dishes.
Emmy Squared was founded by Emily Hyland and Matthew Hyland with partners Howard Greenstone and Ken Levitan in 2016, and since has opened locations in New York City, Nashville, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Virginia, Atlanta, Kentucky, and soon North Carolina.
“It’s a real challenge to have to talk about Emmy Squared without being able to bite into a slice of their pizza or one of their epic sandwiches to go with this conversation; I’ve rarely found food to be a revelation, but this was one of those rare occasions. The moment I finished my meal at Emmy Squared in NYC, was the moment I got in touch with the team and brought up the idea of launching Emmy Squared in the UAE. I like to create my own concepts and that’s not a secret, but this was just too good to pass up on,” says restaurateur Samer S. Hamadeh, founder of Akiba Dori, Stereo Arcade and Republique.
Emmy Squared Abu Dhabi will be the thirteenth location of the brand.
For those not in Abu Dhabi, be on the look out, as there may be pop-ups happening Dubai closer to launch.
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