Traverse City Pizza Restaurant Brings New York-Style Pies to Grand Rapids

A slice of New York is heading to Grand Rapids—by way of Traverse City.

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Two Sons Pizza, the Northern Michigan pizzeria known for its fresh, handmade New York-style pies, is gearing up to open two new restaurants downtown Grand Rapids.

The Tysons’ Pizza Journey From Italy to Traverse City

Owners Jen and Steve Tyson launched Two Sons in Traverse City three years ago, naming it after—yep—their two sons, who also happen to be their biggest fans.

But their pizza story started long before that. Their obsession with authentic pizza really took off after a 2019 trip to Italy. There, they took a pizza-making class just outside of Rome.

Then came the pandemic. The Tysons relocated to New York City, where—while the world slowed down—one thing didn’t: pizza. They fell in love with a neighborhood spot called Baker’s Pizza. When they later moved to Michigan in 2022 to be near family, they missed that unmistakable New York slice.

READ MORE: Craving More Pizza? Here's Another New Joint Open Late Night Downtown Grand Rapids

Hand-Stretched, Scratch-Made Pies

When they couldn’t find anything quite like it, they decided to make it themselves. With the help of Baker’s former operations manager, Jamaie Cacee, they opened Two Sons Pizza inside the Coin Slot Arcade Bar in Traverse City.

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Their pies are made from scratch, with top-notch ingredients and a signature cold-fermented, bromate-free crust. Each crust is hand-stretched by skilled pizzaiolos (pizza makers).

Two New Pizza Joints Coming to Downtown Grand Rapids

Now, that same flavor is coming to Grand Rapids. According to WOOD-TV 8, the Tysons plan to open a Two Sons Pizza pop-up “as soon as humanly possible” at 67 Ottawa Ave. NW—the former home of Stan’s Tacos, which closed in early 2024.

Eventually, Two Sons will move to a permanent downtown location. A new pizza concept, tied to their daughter, who is due in December, will take over the Ottawa space.

And yes, arcade games are part of the fun. The Tysons recently shared on Instagram:

“Last night we celebrated Steve’s birthday by testing out some of our new-to-us pinball machines in our new Grand Rapids space. So grateful to be growing our family business in this amazing town. Test kitchen is in progress and we should have all permits approved for opening in November. Stay tuned for more info—let’s get this party started!”

Menu Highlights: Slices, 20-Inch Pies, and More

When doors open, expect pizza by the slice or by the whole 20-inch pie.

Flavors include Grand Pepperoni, Meatball, Eggplant, and Hawaiian—plus signature creations like Graffiti (their version of a Supreme), Smokehouse Chicken, and Mushy Madness (loaded with mozzarella, sautéed mushrooms, ricotta, truffle oil, and basil).

You’ll also find Italian-inspired sides like Umbrian Fries, Garlic Knots, and Zeppoles.

Follow Two Sons Pizza Grand Rapids on Instagram for updates—and maybe start clearing some room in your pizza rotation now.