In 2025, restaurants like Sharpies, a new pizzeria specializing in Detroit squares, emphasize narrative and cohesive experiences over just great food. Sharpies, named after a three-eyed alien dog, reflects owner Ryan Bair's backstory with co-owner Scott Koehl at Ada Street. The pandemic forced Bair to innovate, creating unique pizzas with a meticulous fermentation process. With a variety of specialty pies, Sharpies aims to attract younger audiences and concertgoers near local venues, showcasing the restaurant industry's adaptation in the post-COVID era.
Years ago, Bair met the restaurant's other co-owner, Scott Koehl, while the two worked at Ada Street, the acclaimed restaurant founded by Michael Kornick.
As the COVID-19 pandemic reaches its fifth anniversary, restaurant and bar owners are recalling how they adjusted while elected officials banned on-premise dining.
The pizzas are stacked with pepperoni, but there are some specialty pies including the Sweet & Spicy Space Candy with bacon, pineapple, goat cheese, pickled red onion, and sambal.
When Kornick moved to Colorado in 2021, and during the pandemic, Koehl and Bair took a chance and bought Ada Street, tucked east of Elston.
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