Marco Castellano
Owner & Head Chef
Second-generation owner who trained in Naples and returned to Rochester Hills to carry on his parents' legacy. Marco oversees all recipe development and kitchen standards.
Our Story
How It All Began
In 1987, Frank and Marie Castellano opened a small pizza shop on Walton Boulevard with a single wood-fired oven, a family recipe passed down from Naples, and an unshakeable belief that great pizza could bring people together.
What started as a neighborhood spot quickly became a Rochester Hills institution. Word spread fast — not because of advertising, but because of the food. Every pie was hand-stretched, every sauce was slow-simmered, and every topping was sourced from local Michigan farms whenever possible.
"We never set out to build a brand. We just wanted to make the kind of pizza that made people close their eyes and smile. Thirty-seven years later, that's still the only goal." — Frank Castellano, Founder
Today, Green Lantern Pizza is led by the second generation of the Castellano family, carrying forward the same recipes and values while embracing fresh ideas, seasonal ingredients, and the community that made us who we are.
1987
Founded
37+
Years Serving
50K+
Happy Guests / Year
100%
Family Owned
What Drives Us
Mission & Core Values
Everything we do at Green Lantern Pizza is guided by a simple promise: serve food we're proud of, to people we care about, in a community we love.
Our Mission
To craft exceptional pizza using time-honored recipes and the freshest local ingredients — delivered with genuine hospitality that makes every guest feel like family. We measure success not in sales, but in smiles.
Our Vision
To be the most beloved pizza destination in Michigan — a place where traditions are honored, new ideas are welcomed, and every bite tells the story of our community, our farmers, and our kitchen.
Our Promise
Every pizza that leaves our kitchen meets the same standard — the Castellano standard. Fresh dough made daily, no shortcuts, no compromises, and a warm welcome every single time you walk through our door.
Fresh Ingredients
We source locally grown produce and partner with Michigan farms to ensure every topping is at peak freshness and flavor.
Community First
Rochester Hills is more than our address — it's our family. We give back through local events, school fundraisers, and neighborhood partnerships.
Quality Craft
Our pizza makers are trained in the art of Neapolitan technique. No machines, no pre-made dough — just skilled hands and genuine craft.
Made with Love
We believe that the care you put into food is something people can taste. That philosophy shapes every decision we make in the kitchen.
Our Journey
A History Worth Savoring
From a single oven on Walton Blvd to one of Michigan's most recognized pizza destinations — here's how Green Lantern Pizza grew.
1987
The First Slice
Frank and Marie Castellano open Green Lantern Pizza on Walton Blvd with a wood-fired oven, a family recipe from Naples, and a dream of serving their community exceptional pizza.
1993
First Regional Award
Green Lantern Pizza wins "Best Pizza in Oakland County" from the Detroit Free Press — the first of many regional accolades that cemented our reputation for quality and consistency.
2001
Restaurant Expansion
We renovate and double the seating capacity to keep up with growing demand, adding a dedicated event space for family gatherings, birthday parties, and local celebrations.
2008
Local Sourcing Commitment
We formalize our Farm-to-Table sourcing program, partnering with over a dozen Michigan farms to supply seasonal produce, artisan cheeses, and free-range meats — setting a new standard for ingredients.
2015
Second Generation Takes Over
Marco and Sofia Castellano step in to lead daily operations, bringing fresh ideas like craft beer pairings, seasonal menus, and an online ordering platform while preserving everything that made Green Lantern iconic.
2020
Community Resilience
During a challenging year for the restaurant industry, we pivot to contactless delivery and curbside pickup, feeding over 3,000 frontline workers and partnering with local food banks to support our neighbors in need.
Today
Still Going Strong
37 years in, Green Lantern Pizza continues to serve Rochester Hills with the same passion, the same recipes, and the same commitment to being more than a restaurant — we're a community tradition.
The People Behind the Pizza
Meet Our Team
Every great pizza starts with great people. Our team brings together decades of culinary passion, local roots, and a shared love for feeding the community.
Sofia Castellano
Operations Manager
Sofia manages day-to-day operations with sharp business instincts and a warm personality that sets the tone for the entire team. She's the glue that holds Green Lantern together.
James Kowalski
Pizzaiolo & Dough Master
A Rochester Hills native with 18 years at Green Lantern, James is the artist behind our signature crusts. He hand-stretches every base using a 48-hour cold ferment dough process.
Priya Nair
Catering & Events Lead
Priya brings creativity and precision to every catered event. Whether it's a wedding, corporate lunch, or neighborhood block party, she makes sure every guest leaves satisfied.
Want to be part of our team? We're always looking for passionate people.
Get in Touch