Ferndale's Como's starts serving Detroit-style pizzas on May 4

Como's completes its transformation from a troubled, iconic Italian restaurant to a hip, chef-driven, Detroit-style pizzeria on May 4.

Chef Zach Sklar said via a press release that the restaurant will use high-end ingredients, make sausage in-house, and make gluten-free and vegan pies.  In addition, the menu will offer pastas, sandwiches, and a build-your-own salad.

Como's two bars will serve cocktails and wine, offer 20 beers on tap, and host theme nights, a happy hour, live bands, and local DJs.

Como's has been a well-loved Ferndale fixture since 1961, but it suffered from poor management and declined in quality in recent years. The Oakland County Department of Health shut down the Nine Mile and Woodward Avenue pizzeria twice in the last two years over health code violations.

While it may seem risky to attach oneself to the Como's name, the company previously explained that there's a nostalgic element to the decision.

"Sklar jumped at the opportunity to purchase the restaurant he frequented during his childhood, thrilled to become part of the community and help activate one of the most well-known areas of Ferndale," a Como's spokesperson previously said. "Sklar’s plan to maintain the well-known namesake is just one of the ways he will preserve the community aspect of the restaurant."

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