Fredi The Pizza Man

Marshall McKenzie 14 Jul 2025

Fredi the Pizza Man - A Heartfelt Story

There's a place in Melvindale, Michigan, that has become much more than just a spot to grab a bite to eat. It's a small building, a bit unassuming on the outside, but inside, and through the work connected to it, there's a truly big spirit. This is where you find Fredi the Pizza Man, a name that brings smiles and a feeling of warmth to many folks, especially those in the local area and beyond, who care about helping others.

For years, people have spoken about the really good pizza coming from this spot, a place where the slices are just right, and the taste seems to stick with you. It's the kind of pizza that makes you want to come back, a lot of people feel that way, and it has built up quite a following. But what makes Fredi's place stand out, you know, it's not just the food itself. There's a deeper reason why so many people talk about it, and why it means so much to the community.

This place, this small pizza shop, has a very big heart, and that's something you pick up on pretty quickly. It turns out that Fredi, the man behind the delicious food, also pours his energy into something else that helps a great deal of people. He has a foundation that works to support autism acceptance and to give back to teachers who do so much for children with autism. It's a story of good food and good deeds, all wrapped up together in one spot, so it's almost a unique combination.

Who is Fredi the Pizza Man?
What Makes Fredi the Pizza Man's Pizza So Good?
What is it Like to Visit Fredi the Pizza Man?
How Does Fredi the Pizza Man Give Back?
The Impact of Fredi the Pizza Man's Kindness
The Talk Around Town About Fredi the Pizza Man
Where Can You Find Fredi the Pizza Man?
The History of Fredi the Pizza Man

Who is Fredi the Pizza Man?

Fredi Bello, the person behind the name, has been making pizza for a very long time, over 40 years now. He has spent 35 of those years as an owner of his own spot. He's known as a pizza maker, someone who gives back to the community, and a dad to a child with autism. This background, you know, it really shapes a lot of what he does. His connection to the autism community is a very personal one, something that started after his son, Antonio, received an autism diagnosis when he was a young boy, just eight years old.

This personal experience, that, is what led him to start the Fredi the Pizzaman Foundation in 2016. It's a charity that stands on its own as a non-profit organization, completely separate and dedicated to its cause. His life's work, in a way, has two main parts: creating really good food and working to make a difference for others. He's someone who lives and gives, which is a pretty good way to describe him, actually.

Name	Fredi Bello
Age	87 (as of source information)
Years Making Pizza	44th year (as of source information)
Years as Owner	35th year (as of source information)
Role	Pizzaiolo, Philanthropist, Autism Dad
Location	Melvindale, Michigan

What Makes Fredi the Pizza Man's Pizza So Good?

People talk a lot about the pizza at Fredi's, and for good reason. It has a thin crust, which many people seem to really enjoy. Folks describe it as being juicy, with toppings that are just right. Even those who usually stick to bigger chain pizza places, like Pizza Hut or Hungry Howie's, have found Fredi's pizza to be better, a step above what they usually eat, you know. That's a pretty strong statement coming from regular chain pizza eaters.

The pizza here is often called New York style, though the slices might not be the exact same size you'd find in New York. The taste and the way it feels when you eat it, that's what seems to match up. It has a bottom that's crisp, but still enough dough on top to hold the sauce, the cheese, and the pepperoni. It's also thin enough that you can fold it, which is a common way to enjoy a slice of New York style pizza, so that's a nice touch.

It sounds like the kind of pizza that gets people talking, and it does. The details, like the thinness and the way it holds together, suggest a lot of care goes into making each one. This attention to how the pizza is put together, you know, it really seems to make a difference in how people enjoy it. It's not just a quick meal; it's a pizza that leaves a good impression, apparently.

What is it Like to Visit Fredi the Pizza Man?

Stepping into Fredi the Pizza Man's shop is a bit of an experience in itself. When you walk in, the first thing you do is pull a ticket. Then, you go up to the counter to place your order. It's a simple system, and it keeps things moving, which is good because sometimes there are quite a few people wanting to get their hands on a slice. The place itself is small, but it has a feeling that makes you feel at home, which is nice.

Inside, you'll find tables that are quite big, and they have benches for sitting. This setup means there's room for groups, or just for spreading out a bit while you wait for your food. The atmosphere, even though the space is not huge, feels warm and welcoming. It's the kind of spot where you can relax, even if it's busy, and just enjoy the moment. People seem to appreciate this comfortable, easy-going feel, you know, it's part of the charm.

There's been a lot of talk about long lines at Fredi's, especially after a video that became quite popular. This means that sometimes, you might have a bit of a wait, but many people seem to think it's worth it. The fact that the tables are set up for groups and the place feels inviting, that probably helps make any waiting time feel less bothersome. It's a place where people gather, and that's a pretty good sign, I mean, it shows how much people like it.

How Does Fredi the Pizza Man Give Back?

The Fredi the Pizzaman Foundation for Autism is a big part of Fredi's story. This foundation, which started in 2016, is a separate non-profit organization. Its main goal is to help spread the word about autism, encourage people to accept those with autism, and to make sure schools and community centers across Michigan have special rooms called sensory rooms. These rooms are very helpful for children with autism, giving them a calm space.

The foundation has done a lot of good things with its efforts. To date, they have given almost $130,000.00 in equipment for sensory rooms and money for scholarships. What's really special about this is that every single bit of that money, 100% of it, comes from donations. People give money through the foundation's website or through cash donations. It truly shows how much people want to help and support this cause, you know, it's quite inspiring.

The focus on autism acceptance is a very important part of what they do. They also make sure to recognize teachers who work with children with autism, celebrating the good work these educators provide. This twin focus, on both acceptance and support for those who teach, shows a broad way of thinking about how to help the autism community. It's a thoughtful approach to making a difference, actually.

The Impact of Fredi the Pizza Man's Kindness

The work of Fredi the Pizza Man's foundation has a wide reach, helping schools all over Michigan. One example of their support is making the 10th annual Sunshine's Football Clinic possible through their donations. This kind of help shows how the foundation is making a real difference in the lives of children and families, providing resources that might not be available otherwise, which is pretty significant.

Fredi's commitment to the autism community has also brought him and his foundation into the public eye. He's been interviewed on WJR, a local radio station, talking about his work. His pizza shop, a local place, even got to represent Michigan at a festival that brings together pizzerias from all over the country. These moments, you know, they help bring more attention to his important cause and the good work he's doing.

The story of Fredi's efforts goes beyond just making pizza. It's about a person using his passion and his business to create a lasting, positive effect in the lives of many. The foundation's goal to equip sensory rooms in all schools and community centers in Michigan is a big one, showing a dedication to making a widespread change. It's clear that this is a mission very close to his heart, and that's why it seems to resonate with so many people.

The Talk Around Town About Fredi the Pizza Man

Fredi the Pizza Man's shop has certainly gotten a lot of attention, especially in recent years. A video by Dave Portnoy, someone who talks about food a lot, really helped put Fredi's on the map for many people. This video spoke highly of Fredi's pizza, calling it the best in Detroit. After that, the small shop started seeing long lines of people waiting to try the pizza, and it also got a lot of media interest, which was a big change for the place.

The online world also shows how popular Fredi's is. On social media, the Fredi the Pizzaman page has a good number of likes, over 4,000, and a fair amount of people are talking about it, nearly 200. There are also reports of many people having been to the shop, which shows a good amount of foot traffic. These numbers give a sense of how many people are connecting with the place and its story, apparently.

When you look at reviews, Fredi the Pizza Man gets good marks. On Restaurant Guru, it's rated 4.7 out of 5, based on over 1,700 reviews from visitors. There are also more than 200 photos and 15 videos shared by customers, which really helps people get a feel for the place and the food before they visit. While another site, Tripadvisor, shows a rating of 3.6 out of 5 from 11 reviews, and it's ranked 15th out of 19 restaurants in Melvindale, the overall picture from many sources points to a very well-liked spot, you know.

Where Can You Find Fredi the Pizza Man?

If you're looking to visit Fredi the Pizza Man, you'll find the shop in Melvindale, Michigan. It's located at 17900 Allen Road. The building itself is a small one, made of red brick, and it sits right on the corner of Allen Road and Clarence Street. It's the kind of place that might seem easy to miss if you're not looking for it, but once you know where it is, it's pretty clear.

For someone who lives on the other side of town, making the trip might seem like a bit of a trek. But for many, the desire to try Fredi's pizza and experience the place makes the journey worthwhile. It's one of those spots that people put on their list of places to try in Michigan, a sort of must-visit for some. That feeling of wanting to go, even from far away, really says something about the appeal of Fredi's, doesn't it?

The address is a straightforward one, and once you get to Melvindale, finding the corner of Allen Road and Clarence Street should be simple enough. The small red brick building has been there for a long time, so it's a familiar sight for locals. It's a real part of the community, standing there, offering good food and a lot of heart, which is pretty cool.

The History of Fredi the Pizza Man

The pizza shop itself has been around for a while, since the early 1980s. So, it has a history that stretches back decades, serving up pizza to the community for a very long time. It's a place that has seen many changes over the years, but it has kept its doors open, becoming a steady presence in Melvindale. This long history shows a lot about its staying power, you know, it's not a new fad.

While the shop has been around for a good while, its popularity has grown a lot in just the last few years. This big jump in attention happened, in part, because of that video by Dave Portnoy that we talked about earlier. It took a long-standing local favorite and brought it to a much wider audience, which is a pretty interesting turn of events for a small, local business.

The shop's journey from a quiet local spot to one that draws people from further away is a story in itself. It highlights how a good product, combined with a powerful story of giving back, can really capture people's interest. Fredi the Pizza Man has become more than just a place to get food; it's a place with a purpose, and that's something people seem to connect with deeply.

Fredi The PizzaMan, Melvindale - Menu, Reviews (342), Photos (75

Fredi the PizzaMan named ‘best pizza in Detroit’ – Press and Guide

Melvindale's Fredi the PizzaMan overwhelmed after Barstool's review

OnHand Schools

Fredi The Pizza Man