Brian Coleman and Kevin Gordon must have pizza sauce running through their veins.
The pair began delivering pies for Cottage Inn Pizza in the 1990s while attending Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti.
After graduation, they each opened up Cottage Inns around the state. Coleman with his locations in Grand Rapids and Lansing and Gordon with stores in Grand Blanc and Fenton.
“I never thought I’d still be doing pizza 10 years later, but here I am,” Coleman said.
The two pizza kings recently joined forces to open a Cottage Inn in downtown Oxford at 51 S.Washington (in the Starbucks building).
“I just fell in love with this town,” Coleman said. “I think this is going to be a dynamic spot next to Starbucks.”
“The people are so friendly here,” Gordon added.
In addition to making traditional hand-tossed and thin crust round pizzas, Cottage Inn offers 18 gourmet pizzas ranging from a “Spicy Mediterranean” (topped with hot pepper rings, feta and mozzarella cheeses, herbs and olive oil) to a “Bacon Double Cheeseburger Pizza” (topped with ground beef, extra cheese, onions, bacon and a special three-cheese blend).
However, it’s the deep dish pizza that “really separates us,” according to Coleman.
“We work on it day and night,” he said. “We put the dough in pans and let them sit out overnight to proof (or rise). Then in the morning, we run them through the oven at a lower temperature. This gives you a thick crust that’s not real doughy tasting.”
“It takes a lot of work and care, but it’s worth it. Once you try the deep dish, you’ll be hooked,” Coleman added.
For those looking to eat healthier, Cottage Inn offers three kinds of “lite pizzas,” which meet American Heart Association guidelines for low fat foods. They were created with the help of the Michigan Heart and Vascular Institute at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital.
But man cannot live on pizza alone – at least man who’s no longer in college. That’s why Cottage Inn also offers 11 kinds of subs, 4 types of salads, buffalo wings, lasagna and bread sticks.
But whatever customers order, they can be assured there will be no delivery charge, Coleman said.
Carry-out and dine-in options are also available.
Coleman emphasized that he’s “eager” to work with area youth groups and school students.
“I have a lot of fund-raiser ideas,” he said. “We also offer deals to groups.”
“We’re going to try to make a great pizza and fit into the community the best we can,” Coleman said.
Oxford’s Cottage Inn Pizza is open 10 a.m. until midnight Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more info call 628-9500.