Michigan is the blueprint. With many iconic brands that have left undeniable marks on various industries, our state has long been a hub of innovation and creativity. In areas like pizza, cars, craft beer, music, and more, companies birthed in Michigan have achieved national and even global recognition. Some are obvious, while others may surprise you.

Here are some of the most notable names you might not know hail from Michigan.

Moosejaw publiclands.com This outdoorsy brand was founded in Keego Harbor in 1992 and purchased by Dick’s Sporting Goods in 2023, which began closing stores. Recently, the final three Moosejaw stores shuttered for good. Credit: Lee DeVito
Carhartt carhartt.com Founded by Hamilton Carhartt in 1889, this brand has been outfitting hardworking people in Detroit and beyond for over a century. Born in the Motor City, with headquarters in Dearborn and over 30 locations nationwide, Carhartt has become a staple brand for both workwear and streetwear known for durability and style that stand the test of time. Credit: Carhartt/Yelp
Creem magazine creem.com Started in Detroit in 1969, “America’s Only Rock ’n’ Roll Magazine” became a music bible, influencing generations with its eccentric style and deep dives into the scene. Despite its original run ending in 1988, Creem has attempted several comebacks over the years, including major relaunch in 2022 as a coffee table quarterly. Credit: Courtesy photo
Bell’s Brewery bellsbeer.com Founded in Kalamazoo by Larry Bell in 1985, this brewery has had a major influence on the craft beer industry, especially with its hoppy Two Hearted Ale. Bell’s beers are now distributed in over 40 states. Credit: Photo via Bell's, Facebook
Better Made bettermade.com A Detroit staple since 1930, Better Made is the only left of over 20 potato chip companies started in Detroit. The snacks are so delicious that any Detroiter who leaves home misses them and the delicacy is now available in nearly 15 states. Credit: Michael Jackman
General Motors gm.com Founded in Flint in 1908, GM has grown into one of the world’s largest automakers with brands like Chevrolet, Buick, and Cadillac. Credit: Linda Parton / Shutterstock.com
Domino’s dominos.com Beginning in Ypsilanti in 1960, Domino’s quickly became a household name. Known for its delivery service and variety of pizzas, Domino’s now operates over 17,000 stores in more than 90 countries, making it one of the largest pizza chains globally. Credit: Facebook, Domino's
Belle Tire belletire.com In 1922, Belle Tire was founded by Sam Waze with a first location on Grand River Avenue, in Detroit. Sam named the business after his wife, Belle. Since then, the vehicle maintenance and repair shop has continued to keep drivers safe, growing to over 120 locations across the Midwest. Credit: Facebook, Belle Tire (Careers)
Faygo faygo.com A staple Detroit brand, Faygo was started in 1907 by Russian immigrant bakers Ben and Perry Feigenson, who began transforming their frosting flavors into soda. Now, the company is known for its unique options like Redpop and Rock & Rye. While primarily available in the Midwest, Faygo’s cult status has earned it fans across the U.S. and beyond. Credit: Facebook, Faygo Beverages
Little Caesars littlecaesars.com Founded in Detroit in 1959, Little Caesars has become famous for its $5 “Hot-N-Ready” pizzas. The chain’s quick and affordable meals make it a go-to for many. With thousands of locations in 25 countries, Little Caesars is another one of the top pizza chains globally. Credit: ScannableZebra / Shutterstock.com
Chrysler chrysler.com This auto company, now known as Stellantis, was originally founded in 1925 by Walter Chrysler. Now, it’s a distant third to the other two automobile companies founded in Detroit – Ford and GM. The only Chrysler-branded model still sold is the Chrysler Pacifica van. Credit: Shutterstock
Founders Brewing Co. foundersbrewing.com Founded in Grand Rapids in 1997, Founders Brewing Co. is now one of the country’s most recognized breweries. Founders has a significant presence, with a main brewery in Grand Rapids, a brewhouse, retail space, a beer garden, and more. Founders is distributed in all 50 states and is known for its KBS (Kentucky Breakfast Stout) and other popular brews. Credit: Founders Brewing Co./Facebook
Hungry Howie’s hungryhowies.com Apparently, Michigan is a hot spot for the birth of flourishing pizza chains. Hungry Howie’s is another, starting in 1973 in Taylor, known for its flavored crusts, offering a unique twist on classic pizza. With over 550 locations in the United States, Hungry Howie’s continues to grow its national presence. Credit: Shutterstock
Kellogg’s kelloggs.com In 1876, brothers John Harvey and W.K. Kellogg worked together at the Battle Creek Sanitarium, a wellness center which became the birthplace of corn flakes. Although the family disputed the discovery, it’s believed that John accidentally created the flaked cereal in 1894 by leaving a batch of wheat-berry dough out overnight. The Kellogg Company was later founded in Battle Creek in 1906 and has since been a leader in breakfast cereals for over a century. From Corn Flakes to Frosted Flakes, Kellogg’s products are now enjoyed in more than 180 countries. Credit: Shutterstock
La-Z-Boy la-z-boy.com Since 1927, La-Z-Boy, founded in Monroe, has become a trusted name in furniture, with stores across the U.S., Canada, and beyond. Credit: Google Maps
Jet’s Pizza jetspizza.com Starting in Sterling Heights in 1978, Jet’s became famous for its Detroit-style pizza with thick, square slices and a crispy crust. With over 380 locations in 20 states, Jet’s is another Michigan-born major player in the U.S. pizza industry. Credit: Courtesy photo
Meijer meijer.com Founded in Greenville in 1934, Meijer pioneered the supercenter concept, offering groceries, clothing, and more under one roof. The family-owned chain now operates over 240 stores across the Midwest. Credit: Screengrab via Google Maps
Jiffy Mix jiffymix.com Since being founded in Chelsea in 1930, Jiffy Mix has been a staple in American pantries. The company’s convenient mixes, from cornbread to muffins, are sold in all 50 states and several countries. Credit: Facebook
Ford ford.com Henry Ford revolutionized the automotive industry with the introduction of the Model T in 1908 and a novel idea at the time: paying workers enough to buy the products they make. Established in Detroit, Ford continues to be a major automotive company, offering a diverse lineup of cars, trucks, and SUVs. Credit: Photo via Ford
Motown Founded by Berry Gordy Jr. in 1959 as Tamla Records, Motown Records introduced the world to a new and distinctive sound: a style of soul music with mainstream pop appeal that broke racial boundaries. Artists such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, The Temptations, Diana Ross, and many others produced hit songs for Motown that helped shape the landscape of popular music. Now, “Motown” is synonymous with Detroit. Credit: Shutterstock

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Layla McMurtrie is the digital editor of Detroit Metro Times. She's passionate about art, music, food, and Detroit's culture and community. Her work has been featured in the Detroit Free Press, Between...