When George and Christos Batsios transformed their struggling white-tablecloth Italian restaurant into a Detroit-style pizza shop Sapore Detroit Pizzeria during the COVID-19 pandemic, they had no idea they’d become the first to bring this unique style to Katy.
Their bold pivot paid off spectacularly, earning them devoted fans who consistently rank them as having the “best pizza in Katy”.
They’ve also attracted many customers from across the Greater Houston area. 🍕
How Sapore’s won local’s hearts
The father-son duo didn’t just stumble into success—they earned it through authenticity and persistence. George Batsios, who had been in the restaurant business since the 1960s, brought decades of experience to the venture.
His son Christos, who grew up working in restaurants from age six and spent his childhood in Detroit, recognized something was missing in the local pizza scene.
“We missed having Detroit pizza ourselves,” Christos explained. “Turns out people enjoyed it, and nobody had had anything like it.”
After their original Sapore Ristorante Italiano closed in fall 2021, they didn’t give up. Instead, they rebuilt from scratch, opening their dedicated pizzeria on Kingsland Boulevard in summer 2023.
Their commitment to authentic preparation methods—including specially ordering brick cheese from Wisconsin and using traditional “blue steel” pans—created something genuinely different in Katy’s pizza landscape. 💪
Food Highlights
- The Detroiter: Smoked pepperoni layered both under and on top of the signature brick cheese with red sauce, creating the classic Detroit-style experience that defines the restaurant’s commitment to authenticity
- Joe Louis “The Fist”: A meat lover’s dream loaded with smoked pepperoni, ham, Italian sausage, hamburger, bacon, and brick cheese over red sauce, named after Detroit’s legendary boxer and consistently ranked as one of their most popular options
- Motown: Features hot Italian sausage and candied jalapeños drizzled with homemade hot honey sauce over brick cheese and red sauce, delivering the perfect balance of heat and sweetness that keeps customers coming back
- Greek Town: A unique fusion creation featuring sliced gyros from their sister restaurant Pappa Gyros, feta cheese, kalamata olives, bell peppers, onions, banana peppers, cherry tomatoes, and brick cheese over red sauce
- Smokey Robinson: Slow-smoked beef brisket paired with red onions, cheddar, and brick cheese, all topped with their signature homemade BBQ sauce for a distinctly Texas twist on Detroit-style pizza
- Tigers Stadium: Award-winning meatballs combined with ricotta, oregano, brick cheese, and tomato sauce, creating a hearty option that showcases their Italian restaurant heritage
Atmosphere
The restaurant maintains a cozy, unpretentious vibe that reflects its family-owned roots.
Located in a strip mall setting, the interior features Detroit-themed décor including photographs of the Motor City and small car decorations attached to the walls. The space accommodates about 20 diners inside with additional outdoor seating available.
Walk-up ordering and counter service keep things casual, while the open kitchen allows guests to watch their square pizzas being crafted in those famous blue steel pans.
The friendly, personal service from the owners creates a welcoming atmosphere where regulars feel like family members. 🏠
Bottom Line
- Authentic Detroit-style experience with specially ordered brick cheese from Wisconsin and traditional blue steel pans
- Creative menu with Detroit-themed pizza names honoring the city’s landmarks, celebrities, and Motown heritage
- Excellent value with generous portions and reasonable prices that keep customers returning regularly
- Family-owned hospitality where owners George and Christos personally interact with guests and ensure quality
- Unique regional offering as Katy’s first and most authentic Detroit-style pizzeria, filling a gap in the local market
Address: 23445 Kingsland Blvd, Ste 500, Katy, TX 77494
📞 (281) 665-7161
🕔 Open Mon-Sat, 4 PM–10 PM (closed Sun)