Brandon Hunt
Co-Founder & CEODetroit native and the culinary visionary behind via 313 pizza. Brandon oversees recipe development and ensures every pizza meets the highest standards.
Our Story
About Via 313
Born in Detroit, raised in Austin — via 313 pizza is more than a meal. It's a love letter to Motor City tradition, handcrafted square slice by square slice since 2011.
Our Origin
From Detroit Streets
to Austin Tables
Via 313 was founded in 2011 by brothers Brandon and Zane Hunt, two Austin locals with deep Detroit roots who were on a mission to bring authentic via 313 pizza to Texas. What started as a humble trailer on a side street quickly became one of Austin's most beloved dining destinations.
Growing up in Detroit, the Hunt brothers developed a lifelong passion for the city's iconic square pizza — thick, airy dough, crispy caramelized cheese edges, and rich sauce ladled on top. After moving to Austin, they realized this style of pizza was impossible to find. So they built it themselves.
"We didn't just want to make pizza — we wanted to recreate the feeling of eating at a Detroit pizzeria. That memory, that warmth, that community."
Today, via313 operates multiple locations across Austin, serving thousands of guests every week. Every pizza is still hand-pressed, every batch of dough still made fresh daily, and every ingredient sourced with the same care and intention as that very first trailer.
13+
Years of Craft
Our Purpose
Mission, Vision & Promise
Everything we do at via 313 is guided by three core beliefs that have been with us since the very beginning.
Our Mission
To serve Detroit-style pizza that honors its roots — using traditional techniques, premium ingredients, and the kind of hospitality that makes every guest feel like family.
Our Vision
To become the definitive destination for Detroit-style pizza in the United States — expanding thoughtfully while never compromising on quality or community.
Our Promise
Every single pizza leaving our kitchen is made with fresh dough, real cheese, and genuine care. We promise consistency you can taste and an experience you'll return for.
Our Journey
The via 313 Timeline
From a single trailer on Rainey Street to a beloved Austin institution — here's how via313 grew into what it is today.
2011
The First Trailer
Brandon and Zane Hunt open a single pizza trailer on Rainey Street, Austin. Long lines form immediately — word spreads fast about this mysterious square pizza unlike anything Austin has tasted before.
2013
Second Location Opens
Demand outgrows the original trailer. A second location opens in South Austin, cementing Via 313 as a genuine Austin food phenomenon and earning its first major press coverage in local media.
2016
Brick-and-Mortar Milestone
Via 313 transitions from trailer to full restaurant on East 6th Street — a spacious, welcoming space that quickly becomes a neighborhood anchor. The team grows to over 30 dedicated pizza artisans.
2019
Expansion & Recognition
Multiple new Austin locations open. Via 313 is named one of the best pizza restaurants in Texas by several national food publications. Catering services launch to meet growing demand from events and corporations.
2022
Online Ordering Launch
Via 313 launches a dedicated online ordering platform, making it easier than ever to enjoy Detroit-style pizza at home. The digital menu is met with overwhelming enthusiasm from loyal customers statewide.
2024
A New Chapter
Via 313 celebrates over a decade of pizza excellence with new menu innovations, expanded catering capabilities, and a renewed commitment to sourcing local Texas ingredients without compromising the Detroit soul of every slice.
The People
Meet the Via 313 Team
Behind every great pizza is an even greater team. These are the passionate individuals who bring via313 to life every single day.
Zane Hunt
Co-Founder & COOZane manages day-to-day operations across all locations, building the systems and culture that keep via313 running like a well-oiled, pizza-scented machine.
Maria Rosales
Head ChefWith 15 years in culinary arts, Maria leads our kitchen team with precision and creativity, developing new seasonal specials while perfecting our classic recipes.
James Okafor
Catering DirectorJames brings Via 313's Detroit-style pizza to events, corporate gatherings, and celebrations across Austin, ensuring every off-site experience is flawless.
Want to join our growing team? We're always looking for passionate pizza lovers.
Get in TouchWhat Drives Us
Our Core Values
These aren't just words on a wall — they're the principles every Via 313 team member lives by every single shift.
Uncompromising Quality
We never cut corners on ingredients or technique. From dough to toppings, every element earns its place on our pizza.
Community First
Austin gave us our home. We give back through local partnerships, sourcing from Texas producers, and supporting neighborhood causes.
Passion for Craft
Pizza-making is an art form. We approach every bake with the same enthusiasm and respect as that very first batch in 2011.
Responsible Sourcing
We partner with local Texas farms and suppliers who share our values, ensuring fresh ingredients and a smaller environmental footprint.
Genuine Hospitality
Every guest deserves to feel welcome. Our team is trained to deliver warmth, attentiveness, and a smile with every order.
Constant Innovation
Tradition is our foundation, not our ceiling. We continuously explore new flavors, techniques, and experiences to delight our guests.