Green Lantern

Family Owned for Over 65 Years

By Sara E. Teller

GREEN LANTERN IS A FAMILY-OWNED AND OPERATED PIZZERIA THAT FIRST OPENED IN MADISON HEIGHTS IN 1955. THOMAS AND IRENE VETTRAINO HAD A FARMHOUSE COMPLETE WITH A GREEN LANTERN. USING THIS AS INSPIRATION, THE COUPLE BROUGHT GREEN LANTERN TO LIFE, AND IT IS STILL IN THE FAMILY TO THIS DAY.

Now co-owned by descendant-brothers T.J. and John Spreitzer, the eatery’s success has led to its expansion into Rochester Hills and Berkley in recent years. The Berkley location, situated right on 12 Mile in the heart of downtown, offers not only signature pizzas, but appetizers, cheese bread, burgers, sandwiches, chicken strips and subs that feature its ‘World Famous Cole Slaw.’

GREEN LANTERN BERKLEY IS HEADED BY CHIEF DIRECTOR, PETE RODRIGUEZ, who mentioned that because of the changes to how it has done business over the past few years, the location now offers delivery, carryout and in-person seating. It is the only location to still offer all three.

Planning on opening during the height of the pandemic, the owners decided to do away with the dining room area that came with the building altogether and offer instead an outdoor space.

“We cannibalized the dining room during COVID to offer an outdoor patio in the parking lot,” Rodriguez explained. “There’s a garage door that separates the patio from the inside bar area with TVs. It’s been an overwhelming success.”

Appreciative of this success, Green Lantern gives back to the community throughout the year.

“We regularly support the schools and the police department,” Rodriguez explained. “During football season, students can pick up flyers to sell our pizza. We love the family atmosphere of Berkley.”