Our Story
The Neighborhood
Pizza Place
We set out to build the kind of neighborhood pizza place we always wished existed. A place with really good Detroit-style pizza, familiar faces and a seat for anyone who walks through the door. Somewhere you can celebrate something big, grab a quick bite after work or linger over a meal with the people you care about. No matter why you came in, we hope you’ll leave looking forward to the next time.
Why
Unc's?
Unc’s is named after the people who helped shape us growing up: relatives, family friends, neighbors and chosen family who made time for us, looked out for us and always saved us a seat at the table.
They were the ones cheering the loudest at our baseball games, checking in when we needed them and making us feel at home the second we walked through the door.
The name itself started with co-owner Larry Kahn’s Uncle Paul, known simply as “Unc” growing up. To Larry, he was like a second father: kind and generous with his time, someone who consistently showed up for him and always made him feel welcome.
For co-owner Ann-Marie Murphy, that person was Uncle Jimmy, a longtime family friend who was every bit her “Unc.” He had a big heart and always made room in it for her, becoming family in every way that mattered.
That’s what “Unc” means to us. If you’re lucky, you have one in your life. An uncle or aunt, a neighbor, a friend or chosen family. Someone who didn’t have to show up for you, but chose to anyway.
This place is a tribute to them and to all the people who taught us to be generous with our time, look out for each other and make people feel welcome. At its core, Unc’s is about really good food, good company and making room at the table.
Built by
Hospitality People
Unc's brings together two teams with decades of experience building some of Detroit's favorite restaurants. Co-owners Larry Kahn, Ann-Marie Murphy and Jeff Alexander, the team behind Dime Store, joined forces with Tony Sacco, founder of Mootz Pizzeria, to create the kind of Detroit-style pizza place they always wished existed.
Leading the kitchen are Executive Chefs Andrew Shedden and Josh Taylor, whose experience includes acclaimed Chicago restaurants Café Ba-Ba-Reeba! and Moto, along with Detroit favorites Olin, Marrow in the Market, Dime Store and Supergeil. Behind the scenes, the team also worked alongside some of the industry's best pizza and bar professionals, taking the time to obsess over every detail before opening day.
Together, they set out to build a neighborhood pizza place that's warm, welcoming and serious about the food in all the right ways.
Founding Team
Left to right: Executive Chef Josh Taylor, Co-owner Jeff Alexander, Co-owner Ann-Marie Murphy, Executive Chef Andrew Shedden, Co-owner Larry Kahn, Co-owner Tony Sacco, Assistant GM Jenna Porter.