New Business Brings America’s Favorite Food to Elberta
A sign of great things for Elberta Pizza Co.! - A great location - 619 Frankfort Ave, Elberta - and just a phone call away! - The mouth-watering Elberta Special! - The Fast family is ready to help make great things happen in Elberta!
If you’ve never had an Elberta Special, it’s high time you did.
It’s much more than pizza.
It’s a sensory feast of fresh, hand-tossed crust, freshly-ground mozzarella and muenster, homemade marinara with peperoni, ham, bacon and sausage, white onion, mushrooms and finished with a secret house-blend seasoning.
This popular creation of Elberta Pizza Co., owned by Bryan and Desiree (Desi) Fast, is an ideal addition to the breathtaking nearby dunes, rivers and streams and the growing assortment of restaurants, retailers, outdoor recreation shops and resorts that surround this new business in the Village of Elberta.
The vision of the Fast’s to bring delicious, homegrown and affordable pizza and other fare to the Village residents and the thousands who pass through on iconic M-22 became a reality with capital support of Venture North Funding and Development added to that of State Savings Bank along with personal investment of the Fast’s.
Since their grand opening of May 16, 2025, the results are summed up in one word by Desi.
“Fantastic!”
“We had more business that we thought possible,” she said. “We are overwhelmed by the generous reception we’ve had. In a few short days, we’ve already had customers calling to say what a great experience they had.”
“People are delighted to have delivery here in Elberta to our population of 400,” said Bryan. “A first for many in this community!”
Freshly made dough, house-made sauce and a blend of ground cheeses equal deliciousness at Elberta Pizza Co.!
Bryan, a Frankfort native and Desi, a lifelong Benzie County resident, are dedicated to having their business support their family of 3 (soon to be 4) as well the community they love.
“We’re surrounded by thoughtful, encouraging people,” said Desi. “It’s a diverse population and we keep our price point where everyone can enjoy our food.”
“It’s exciting! Everybody loves pizza!” says Kelly Votruba, local journalist and freelance copy editor, including writer/editor of the Elberta Alert. “It’s a great family story and their business is yet another opportunity for foot traffic in Elberta.”
With a full complement of specialty pizzas (try their Twice Baked Potato Pizza, too) and – coming soon! – sandwiches, subs, wraps, salads and more, the Fasts are on a path that’s part of a larger trend that bodes well for their success.
The 2025 Pizza Industry Trends Report in Pizza Today, forecasts that the 74,000 pizzerias in the U.S. are expected to reach $50 billion in sales with an estimate that up to 60 percent of the pizzeria market is comprised of independent businesses.
“Independent pizzeria owners are the backbone of this industry,” the Report states. “It is their collective effort and dedication to moving the craft of pizza making forward that embodies the spirit of doing the business of selling America’s favorite food.”
The Fasts are also part of another national trend.
Now in their mid-30’s, the Fasts are part of the nearly 25 percent of all independent pizza business owners in the U.S. that are under age 45.
What’s more, over 37 percent of national pizzeria operators have seen increased demand for what the Fast’s feature -- both takeout and delivery options. The second-ranked national trend is creative and unique specialty pizzas – a slam-dunk for Elberta Pizza Co.
“We value everyone in the community,” said Bryan. “There’s an interesting trend toward young business owners in the Elberta area. We think it reflects how folks think about the possibilities of this community and its future. We all support one another.”
The Fast’s passion for their businesses’ hometown is also reflected in publications like onlyinyourstate.com that highlights Elberta as, “The small town in Michigan you’ve never heard of but will fall in love with.”
An important factor in the affection held by the Fasts for the Elberta area is land protection.
“It’s wonderful to now make that winding ride to the Elberta beach,” says Desiree. “You pass by the Waterfront Park and historic Life Saving Station, ending at a beach that is now stunning and clean with facilities to support use by all, including families with kids.”
Owned by the Village of Elberta after being acquired and protected by the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, the Elberta Dunes South has glacial moraines, towering dunes, untouched forests and ¼ mile of sandy Lake Michigan beach. A hiking trail leads to sweeping views of Lake Michigan and the Betsie River Valley.
“Elberta’s a destination for destinations,” says Steve Brower, Business Development Specialist with Venture North. “Elberta Pizza is rapidly taking a place as a destination for dining – for residents and for the many who are exploring the spectacular coastline. We look forward to supporting their growth.”
For media inquiries:
Contact: Tim Ervin - Ph: 231-794-0089 - Email: timervinassoc@gmail.com
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