Cottage Inn Pizza
Cottage Inn is a gourmet pizza brand founded in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1948, now operating 75+ locations across Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana.
Last updated October 30, 2026
AI crawler reads
No AI crawler has read this profile since Oct 28, 2026.
Overview
Cottage Inn Pizza is an American pizza restaurant, carryout, delivery, and franchise brand headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The business traces its origin to 1948, when the first Cottage Inn restaurant opened at 512 East William Street near the University of Michigan campus. The original establishment began as a coffee business and later added pizza, becoming the first establishment in Ann Arbor identified as serving pizza. This early connection to the university area and to local dining helped shape the brand's identity as an Ann Arbor institution. The original restaurant was purchased by the Michos family in 1961. Over time, the building underwent significant modifications in 1975, 1980, and 1993. A second story was added to accommodate banquet rooms and related services, reflecting the original location's role as more than a delivery outlet. In 2023, the property was listed for sale after the owner decided to retire, marking a change in the history of the original site while the broader Cottage Inn business continued to operate. Cottage Inn expanded beyond its original restaurant format through the creation of Cottage Inn Carryout & Delivery Inc. by 1978. The first location associated with the new delivery-focused company opened at Packard and Hill streets in Ann Arbor. This move established carryout and delivery as central parts of the business model. The first franchise was granted in June 1986 in nearby Ypsilanti, Michigan, beginning the brand's transition from a locally concentrated operation toward a franchise network. A corporate headquarters and distribution center opened in Ann Arbor in 2003, supporting the brand's company-owned and franchised restaurants. In the early 2010s, Cottage Inn also developed a visible event-presence strategy. In 2012, it partnered with Michigan International Speedway as the official pizza vendor for NASCAR weekends and later supplied pizza for other events at the venue, including the Faster Horses Festival. The company also explored round-the-clock delivery, although its initial 24-hour delivery plan was reduced because of logistical and staffing challenges. In early 2014, Cottage Inn announced a proposal to use franchising as a vehicle for national growth. The brand has attributed part of its expansion to training in social media and digital marketing. It opened a franchise location in China in 2017, although its principal operating base remains the United States. By 2022, the system was reported to include 44 company-owned stores and nine independently franchised locations. The company was included in Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500 list in 2023. Cottage Inn's menu extends beyond conventional pizza to include Italian and Greek food. One distinctive offering is its Cuban pizza, which was associated with the broader pickle-pizza trend and placed in the gourmet pizza category at the 2015 North American Pizza Show. Overall, the brand combines a long-running Ann Arbor origin, company-operated restaurants, franchising, delivery infrastructure, event concessions, and a menu positioned around pizza alongside other Italian and Greek-inspired foods. Cottage Inn Pizza opened in 1948 as Ann Arbor's first pizzeria and became a local favorite for its quality, ingredients, and welcoming feel. The company expanded beyond dine-in by adding carryout and delivery in 1978 at Packard & Hill Street in Ann Arbor, a location that still serves customers. With 75+ locations across Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana, Cottage Inn focuses on gourmet pizza, including gluten-free and gourmet options. Many Cottage Inn stores are owned and operated by independent franchisees. Cottage Inn Pizza is an American pizza restaurant, carryout, delivery, and franchise brand headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The business traces its origin to 1948, when the first Cottage Inn restaurant opened at 512 East William Street near the University of Michigan campus. The original establishment began as a coffee business and later added pizza, becoming the first establishment in Ann Arbor identified as serving pizza. The original restaurant was purchased by the Michos family in 1961, and the building underwent significant modifications in 1975, 1980, and 1993, including a second story for banquet rooms. In 2023, the property was listed for sale after the owner decided to retire. Cottage Inn expanded beyond its original restaurant format through the creation of Cottage Inn Carryout & Delivery Inc. by 1978, with the first location under the new structure opening at Packard and Hill streets in Ann Arbor; that location still serves customers today. The first franchise was granted in June 1986 in nearby Ypsilanti, Michigan. A corporate headquarters and distribution center opened in Ann Arbor in 2003. In 2012, Cottage Inn partnered with Michigan International Speedway as the official pizza vendor for NASCAR weekends and later supplied pizza for other events at the venue, including the Faster Horses Festival. The company also explored 24-hour delivery, though the initial program was scaled back due to logistical and staffing challenges. In early 2014, Cottage Inn announced a proposal to use franchising as a means of national growth, attributing part of its expansion to social media and digital marketing training. It opened a franchise location in China in 2017, while its primary base remained in the United States. By 2022, the system reportedly included 44 company-owned stores and nine independently franchised locations. The company was named to Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500 list in 2023. Cottage Inn's menu extends beyond traditional pizza to include Italian and Greek food, and its Cuban pizza, associated with the pickle-pizza trend, placed in the gourmet pizza category at the 2015 North American Pizza Show. The brand emphasizes gourmet pizza made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, including handmade dough made fresh daily in-house, a signature three-cheese blend from Wisconsin, and fresh, locally sourced vegetables, with gluten-free and gourmet options available. Many Cottage Inn stores are owned and operated by independent franchisees.
History
Cottage Inn Pizza began in 1948 with the opening of the original Cottage Inn restaurant at 512 East William Street in Ann Arbor, Michigan, near the University of Michigan campus. The location initially operated as a coffee business and later added pizza. It is described as the first establishment to serve pizza in Ann Arbor, giving the business a distinctive place in the city's restaurant history. The original building became associated with the Michos family after it was purchased by the family in 1961. The premises were modified on three notable occasions, in 1975, 1980, and 1993. One important change was the addition of a second story for banquet rooms and related services. These alterations allowed the original restaurant to support functions beyond everyday counter and table service. In 2023, the building was listed for sale when the owner decided to retire, creating a transition for the historic site while Cottage Inn Pizza continued as an operating brand. By 1978, the business had established Cottage Inn Carryout & Delivery Inc., a company focused on delivery services. The first store under this new structure opened at Packard and Hill streets in Ann Arbor. This development formalized a business model centered on carryout and delivery, rather than relying only on the original full-service restaurant. In June 1986, the first franchise opened in Ypsilanti. The franchise marked the beginning of the brand's expansion beyond its original Ann Arbor base. The company opened a corporate headquarters and distribution center in Ann Arbor in 2003. The facility supported the operating and supply requirements of a growing restaurant system. In the early 2010s, Cottage Inn pursued additional visibility through event partnerships. In 2012, it became the official pizza vendor for NASCAR weekends at Michigan International Speedway and also served other events held at the venue, including the Faster Horses Festival. The company had initially planned 24-hour delivery, but the program was scaled back because of logistical and staffing difficulties. In early 2014, Cottage Inn presented a proposal to use franchising to support national expansion. The business later reported that training in social media and digital marketing contributed to its growth. In 2017, it opened a franchise location in China, adding an international location to a system otherwise concentrated in the United States. The brand's core footprint remained in Michigan and Ohio, where it operated a mixture of company-owned and independently franchised restaurants. As of 2022, the system was reported to contain 44 company-owned stores and nine independently franchised locations. In 2023, Cottage Inn Pizza was included in Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500 list. The company serves pizza as its central product while also offering Italian and Greek food. Its Cuban pizza gained attention in 2015 when it placed in the gourmet pizza category at the North American Pizza Show and was connected with the pickle-pizza trend. Cottage Inn Pizza's development therefore combines local restaurant heritage, delivery specialization, franchise expansion, event concessions, and menu experimentation. Cottage Inn Pizza opened in 1948 as Ann Arbor's first pizzeria and quickly became a local favorite for its quality, ingredients, and welcoming feel. As the brand grew, the company expanded beyond dine-in, adding carryout & delivery in 1978 at Packard & Hill Street in Ann Arbor, a location that still proudly serves customers today. For more than 70 years, Cottage Inn has been the go-to stop in the heart of every pizza craving with fresh, high-quality ingredients and plenty of options — including gluten-free and gourmet pizzas. With 75+ locations across Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana, Cottage Inn continues to focus on creating gourmet pizza that has kept customers coming back for generations. Many Cottage Inn stores are owned and operated by independent franchisees. As of 2022, the system was reported to contain 44 company-owned stores and nine independently franchised locations. In 2023, Cottage Inn Pizza was included in Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500 list. The company serves pizza as its central product while also offering Italian and Greek food, and emphasizes gourmet pizza made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, including handmade dough made fresh daily in-house, a signature three-cheese blend from Wisconsin, and fresh, locally sourced vegetables, with gluten-free and gourmet options available. Its Cuban pizza gained attention in 2015 when it placed in the gourmet pizza category at the North American Pizza Show and was connected with the pickle-pizza trend. Many Cottage Inn stores are owned and operated by independent franchisees. Cottage Inn Pizza's development therefore combines local restaurant heritage, delivery specialization, franchise expansion, event concessions, and menu experimentation.
- 2023
Brand appears in Entrepreneur's Franchise 500
[1]Cottage Inn Pizza is named in Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500 list.
- 2023
Original restaurant property is listed for sale
[1]The original East William Street property is listed for sale after the owner decides to retire.
- 2022
Reported operating network reaches 53 locations
[1]The reported system consists of 44 company-owned stores and nine independently franchised locations.
- 2017
Franchise location opens in China
[1]Cottage Inn opens a franchise location in China.
- 2015
Cuban pizza receives North American Pizza Show placement
[1]The brand's Cuban pizza places in the gourmet pizza category at the North American Pizza Show.
- 2014
Franchising proposed as a national-growth strategy
[1]The company reveals a proposal to use franchising to expand nationally.
- 2012
Michigan International Speedway partnership begins
[1]Cottage Inn becomes the official pizza vendor for NASCAR weekends at Michigan International Speedway and later serves additional events at the venue.
- 2003
Ann Arbor headquarters and distribution center opens
[1]Cottage Inn opens a new corporate headquarters and distribution center in Ann Arbor.
- 1993
Third recorded modification of the original restaurant
[1]The original Cottage Inn building undergoes another major modification; the site also gains a second story for banquet rooms.
- 1986
First franchise opens in Ypsilanti
[1]In June, Cottage Inn opens its first franchise location in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
Products and positioning
A regional American pizza brand combining a long-established Ann Arbor restaurant heritage with company-owned stores, franchised locations, carryout, delivery, event vending, and Italian and Greek menu options. Gourmet pizza made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, including handmade dough made fresh daily in-house, a signature three-cheese blend from Wisconsin, and fresh, locally sourced vegetables.
Pizza · 1948
Pizza
Pizza is Cottage Inn Pizza's core offering and the product around which its restaurant, carryout, delivery, franchise, and event-vending activities are organized. The brand serves pizza through company-owned and franchised locations, with delivery and carryout established as important parts of its operating model.
Specialty pizza
Cuban pizza
Cuban pizza is a distinctive Cottage Inn offering associated with the pickle-pizza trend. It received recognition in the gourmet pizza category at the 2015 North American Pizza Show, giving the item visibility beyond the brand's ordinary regional restaurant market.
Italian cuisine
Italian food
In addition to pizza, Cottage Inn restaurants sell Italian food. The available reference material does not specify the complete range of Italian dishes or individual menu names.
Greek cuisine
Greek food
Greek food is also part of the Cottage Inn menu mix. Specific dishes and launch dates are not identified in the available reference material.
Pizza
Gourmet pizza
Cottage Inn focuses on gourmet pizza made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, including handmade dough made fresh daily in-house, a signature three-cheese blend from Wisconsin, and fresh, locally sourced vegetables.
Pizza
Gluten-free pizza
Gluten-free pizza is among the options Cottage Inn offers alongside its gourmet pizzas.
Sides
Wings
Wings are offered on the Cottage Inn menu alongside pizza, salads, and other items.
Sides
Salads
Salads are offered on the Cottage Inn menu alongside pizza, wings, and other items.
Beverages
Beer & wine (select locations)
Beer and wine are available at select Cottage Inn locations.
Marketing campaigns
- 2012Michigan International Speedway official pizza partnership
United States · Michigan
Cottage Inn partnered with Michigan International Speedway to become the official pizza vendor for NASCAR weekends. The relationship also covered other events at the venue, including the Faster Horses Festival, giving the brand a recurring presence in sports and festival concessions.
Outcome. The partnership expanded beyond NASCAR weekends to additional Michigan International Speedway events.
Brand decisions
2017
Expand the franchise network into ChinaStrategyBackground
The company was pursuing expansion beyond its established Michigan and Ohio base.
Action taken
Cottage Inn opened a franchise location in China.
Aftermath
The opening gave the brand an international franchise presence, although the available material does not describe subsequent scale in China.
2014
Use franchising to pursue national growthStrategyBackground
Cottage Inn had expanded through company-owned and franchised restaurants and sought a larger geographic footprint.
Action taken
The company revealed a proposal to use franchising as a business model for national expansion.
Aftermath
The brand continued operating a mixed system of company-owned and independently franchised locations, with its primary footprint remaining in Michigan and Ohio.
1986
Enter franchisingStrategyBackground
After developing a company-operated delivery business, Cottage Inn sought to extend the brand beyond its original Ann Arbor locations.
Action taken
The first Cottage Inn franchise opened in Ypsilanti in June 1986.
Aftermath
The opening established the brand's franchise network, which later included independently franchised restaurants.
1978
Create a dedicated carryout and delivery businessStrategyBackground
The original restaurant had developed from a coffee business into a pizza-serving operation, and the company sought a structure focused specifically on delivery and carryout.
Action taken
Cottage Inn established Cottage Inn Carryout & Delivery Inc. and opened a store at Packard and Hill streets in Ann Arbor.
Aftermath
Carryout and delivery became central components of the brand's operating model.
Recent events
- 2023
Cottage Inn Pizza appears in Entrepreneur's Franchise 500[1]
Other
Cottage Inn Pizza was named in Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500 list.
- 2023
Original Cottage Inn restaurant property is listed for sale[1]
Other
The original Cottage Inn building on East William Street in Ann Arbor was listed for sale after the owner decided to retire. The listing concerned the historic original site rather than the entire brand.
- 2017
Cottage Inn opens a franchise location in China[1]
M&A · Other
The brand opened a franchise location in China, representing an expansion beyond its principal Michigan and Ohio operating base.
- 2015
Cuban pizza receives recognition at the North American Pizza Show[1]
Product launch · Other
Cottage Inn's Cuban pizza placed in the gourmet pizza category at the North American Pizza Show and was associated with the emerging pickle-pizza trend.
- 2014
Cottage Inn Pizza proposes franchising-led national expansion[1]
Other
The company disclosed a proposal to use franchising as a mechanism for broader national growth, building on its existing company-operated and franchise restaurant network.
- 2012
Cottage Inn Pizza partners with Michigan International Speedway as official pizza vendor[1]
Campaign
Cottage Inn Pizza began a partnership with Michigan International Speedway, serving as the official pizza vendor during NASCAR weekends and later at other venue events, including the Faster Horses Festival.
Sources4 sources
Cite this profile: Cite the canonical profile. /brand-wiki/cottage-inn-pizza · Editorial policy · How profiles are compiled