For more than 50 years, Carlo’s Pizza has served Macomb County residents everything from Chicago-style deep dish to specialty pies topped with premium ingredients.
So when Melissa Kleehammer opened the first Carlo’s Pizza in Sterling Heights in early 2025, her priorities were clear: uphold the tradition of quality pizza and excellent customer service.
“As I was going through our list of products, I made sure we upgraded,” Kleehammer said. “I want customers to experience good quality—that’s what brings them back.”
She arrives early each morning to prepare dough, hand-cut vegetables and make the pizza sauce—a unique blend that defines Carlo’s Pizza.
Though the Carlo’s name is familiar, the Sterling Heights shop enters a crowded market of longtime pizza joints. Having managed the Carlo’s Pizza in Harrison Township, Kleehammer knows relationships are key to success.
“Whether people come in weekly or once a month, you provide good customer service because that’s the first thing they’re going to remember,” she said. “The reward for me is I get to feed a family that chooses us.”
Regulars find plenty of variety, from classics like pepperoni to new menu items Kleehammer created for the diverse Sterling Heights community.
“Because this area is very diverse with special diets, I created pizzas that aren’t on any other menu—chicken margarita, Mediterranean,” she said. “And we’re always interested in people’s suggestions.”
Whether you stick to classics like pepperoni or prefer adventurous options, Kleehammer’s message is simple: just try it out.
“I have a lot of people who get the same thing over and over, which I love, but you’ll never know you’ll like us if you don’t try it,” she said. “Our pickle bread, for example—some people are hesitant. But if you like pickles, you’ll fall in love with it.”
While she often opens and closes the shop herself, Kleehammer credits the team around her, which she considers a second family.
“I have a few employees who have been here since the start—they have as much pride and dedication as I do,” she said. “It makes me happy. Without them, this business wouldn’t succeed.”
For now, her goal is to make Sterling Heights as successful as the original Carlo’s Pizza, which has thrived since 1972.
Carlo’s Pizza is at 11516 15 Mile Road, near Dodge Park. Hours are noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday-Friday.
