Tony Russo
Founder & Executive Chef
Tony brought his grandmother's recipes from Sicily to Walled Lake in 1994. After 30 years, he still stretches dough by hand every morning and approves every sauce recipe personally.
1994
Founded in Walled Lake
Local Favorite
Michigan's Most Loved Pizza
Our Story
A Family Recipe That Became a Community Tradition
It all started in 1994 when Tony and Maria Russo opened a tiny pizza shop on East Maple Road with nothing but a wood-fired oven, a family recipe passed down three generations, and a dream of feeding their neighbors well.
Thirty years later, Green Lantern Pizza has grown into a cornerstone of the Walled Lake community. We still hand-stretch every crust, source our tomatoes from trusted local farms, and refuse to cut corners on quality — because great pizza deserves nothing less.
Hand-Stretched Dough Daily
Fresh dough made every morning, never frozen, never rushed.
Locally Sourced Ingredients
Partnering with Michigan farmers and producers since day one.
Family-Owned & Operated
Three generations of the Russo family are involved in the kitchen today.
Community First
Supporting local schools, sports teams, and neighborhood events.
What Drives Us
Our Mission & Vision
We believe every pizza tells a story. Ours is about quality, community, and the simple joy of a perfect slice.
Our Mission
To craft exceptional pizza using honest ingredients and time-honored techniques, served in a welcoming environment that feels like home. We don't just feed people — we bring them together.
Our Vision
To be the most trusted and beloved pizza destination in Michigan — a place where generations of families return, where memories are made, and where community is served one slice at a time.
Our Promise
Every pizza that leaves our kitchen carries our name and our reputation. We promise fresh ingredients, handcrafted quality, and a dining experience that keeps you coming back for more.
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
Six principles that guide every decision, every recipe, and every interaction at Green Lantern Pizza.
Quality Ingredients
We never compromise on what goes into our food. Every ingredient is selected for its freshness, flavor, and origin.
Community Focus
We are part of the fabric of Walled Lake. Supporting local events, schools, and neighbors is not optional — it's who we are.
Handcrafted Care
Every dough is stretched by hand. Every sauce is made from scratch. No shortcuts, no compromise — just honest food made right.
Sustainability
We partner with local farms, minimize food waste, and use eco-friendly packaging because we care about the planet we share.
Guest Happiness
Your satisfaction is our measure of success. We listen, we improve, and we always go the extra mile to make your visit memorable.
Constant Innovation
Respecting tradition doesn't mean standing still. We're always exploring new flavors, techniques, and ideas to delight your palate.
Our Journey
Three Decades of Pizza History
From a single oven to a community institution — the milestones that shaped who we are today.
1994
The First Oven Is Lit
Tony and Maria Russo open Green Lantern Pizza on East Maple Road with a single wood-fired oven, three tables, and a dream. The line wraps around the block on opening day.
1998
First "Best Pizza" Award
Green Lantern wins its first "Best Pizza in Oakland County" award from the local readers' poll — an honor we've held for 18 of the 26 years since.
2004
First Major Expansion
Demand grows so much that we double our dining room capacity, add a full prep kitchen, and hire our first dedicated delivery team to serve the wider Walled Lake area.
2010
Going Local & Green
We formalize partnerships with five Michigan farms, switch to biodegradable packaging, and launch our "Farm to Crust" sourcing initiative. Quality gets even better.
2016
The Next Generation
Tony and Maria's children — Sofia and Marco — join the business full-time, bringing fresh creativity to the menu while honoring every family tradition that made Green Lantern special.
2024
30 Years & Still Growing
We celebrate our 30th anniversary with a full menu refresh, a brand-new catering program, and a commitment to the next 30 years of handcrafted pizza in the heart of Michigan.
The People Behind the Pizza
Meet Our Team
Passionate about food, dedicated to craft, and proud to serve the Walled Lake community every single day.
Maria Russo
Co-Founder & Operations Director
Maria is the organizational heart of Green Lantern. She manages supplier relationships, ensures every guest experience is exceptional, and keeps the whole operation running like clockwork.
Sofia Russo
Head Chef & Menu Developer
Trained at the Culinary Institute of America, Sofia brings a modern sensibility to classic recipes. She leads our seasonal menu innovations and is passionate about plant-based options.
Marco Russo
Catering Manager
Marco built our catering division from the ground up. He has personally managed over 500 events across Michigan — from intimate family gatherings to corporate events for 300+ guests.
Want to become part of our story? We're always looking for passionate people.
Join Our Team