At Klavon’s, we’re passionate about what we do, and why we are doing it.
The journey began in 1995 and continues today with the same commitment and passion.
You see, there is a sort of magic that good food has. Somehow, it just brings people together. Sometimes, it even sets the stage for the most important events in our lives.
For starters, we have some of the best people around and it shows. Thanks to them, we’re able to treat our guests just like we would if they were guests in our home.
Secondly, we have learned to dial-in our craft, because consistency matters. After all, you can’t have a favorite meal if that meal isn’t great every time.
Finally, we really sweat the details, because that’s the only way to round out the perfect dining experience. The kind of experience people can’t help but share.
All great pizza begins with a great story. Klavon’s was founded on the pursuit of the perfect pizza.
Our mission is dedicated to creating authentic experiences and handcrafting artisanal pizza. Nestled within a modern, inviting atmosphere, that’s perfect for any occasion, our pizza takes center stage. Many say our stuffed pizza, an original take on the Chicago deep dish, rivals the greatest pizzas in the windy city — some claim it’s even better. One thing is certain; pizza enthusiasts frequently travel across Michigan to savor the distinct Klavon’s experience.
These values form the base of who we are, they are the principles that guide everything we do and help us make sure that we always deliver on our promise.
We are dedicated to creating authentic experiences and handcrafted, artisan pizza.
We continuously strive to improve our process and products through a culture of loyalty and integrity.
At Klavon’s, we foster an environment of warmth and camaraderie, not only for our team but our guests and community.
This isn’t the first-time owner and pizzaiolo Justin Klavon has built a successful pizzeria. At age 16, while delivering pizzas in Grass Lake, he learned the basics of perfecting the craft. Within a few years, his self-motivation and determination led him to pursue his dream of opening a pizzeria.
In 1998, as a young 19-year-old entrepreneur he introduced Justin Tyme Pizza, a take-out and delivery concept, offering delicious pizza and sandwiches to the Jackson area. Justin’s ongoing experimentation and meticulous dough testing helped refine the pizza recipes, ultimately enabling him to grow and expand the business.
By 2002, the second Justin Tyme Pizza opened in Napoleon and shortly thereafter, a third location emerged in Grass Lake. Notably, Grass Lake was the original pizza shop where Justin began his journey as a teenager, known as Trackside Pizza.
This fast-paced industry excited Justin and it seemed he was beginning to master the pizza business, but the self-taught pizzaiolo dreamt of more.
In 2007, following nine years of operation, all three Justin Tyme establishments were successfully sold. Equipped with extensive experience and knowledge of the pizza industry, Justin was eager to elevate his pizza journey to new heights.
The foundation of his innovative restaurant concept: a sophisticated yet relaxed sit-down pizzeria, offering fresh pizza styles in a welcoming and pristine environment. Later that same year, Klavon’s Pizzeria and Pub made its debut, primarily focusing on take-out and delivery with limited dine-in seating available.
With exceptional food offerings at reasonable prices, Klavon’s quickly gained widespread popularity. As the demand for dine-in surged, the restaurant redefined its business model by discontinuing pizza delivery and embarking on a series of enhancements. These improvements included the addition of more seating, sizable television displays, and the introduction of a full-service cocktail bar to elevate the overall dining experience. The restaurant’s décor was thoughtfully designed, featuring modern, earthy materials, dynamic sports-themed murals, and music videos to create a complete and vibrant ambiance.
While the core menu remained consistent, occasional introductions of new specialty pizzas showcased fresh ingredients and trending pizza styles. Klavon’s distinctive take on the original Chicago-style stuffed pizza earned them a prominent place in the industry and cultivated a dedicated fan base. In 2011, Klavon’s claimed the title of Jackson’s best pizza, and in 2013, it secured a coveted spot on the MLive Top Ten list of the best pizzas in the state of Michigan.
The need for expansion became evident due to the daily long queues and extended wait times. In June 2014, a second Klavon’s establishment emerged in Jackson, Michigan, rapidly garnering enthusiastic reviews, and a devoted customer base. This state-of-the-art facility, constructed from the ground up, featured contemporary décor influenced by both pizza and sports themes. Additionally, it introduced Detroit-style pizza and a serene outdoor patio, further enhancing the dining experience.
By 2019, plans were in place to inaugurate the third location in Mason, situated just south of Lansing, MI. This restaurant, too, was meticulously constructed from the ground up, maintaining a consistent look and feel while also adding authentic Neapolitan pizza to the menu offerings. The Mason establishment also boasts a remarkable 10-foot fish tank, an atrium-style room that fills the space with natural light, and an inviting pizza bar where guests can observe the Italian brick oven and pizzaiolo at work. Notably, Klavon’s of Mason recently received the distinction of being voted the best pizza in Lansing for both 2022 and 2023.
As Klavon’s continued to flourish, and the company’s long-term growth plans took shape, it became evident that the original location would have to be permanently closed. In 2020, after 13 years of pizza-making excellence at the original Klavon’s in Northwest, the difficult decision was confirmed. The original Klavon’s laid the groundwork for future expansion and played a pivotal role in establishing Klavon’s as a well-known, hospitality-focused restaurant. The closure allowed the team to redirect focus to the Jackson and Mason locations, where they perceived countless opportunities to perfect their craft.
This isn’t the first-time owner and pizzaiolo Justin Klavon has built a successful pizzeria. At age 16, while delivering pizzas in Grass Lake, he learned the basics of perfecting the craft. Within a few years, his self-motivation and determination led him to pursue his dream of opening a pizzeria.
In 1998, as a young 19-year-old entrepreneur he introduced Justin Tyme Pizza, a take-out and delivery concept, offering delicious pizza and sandwiches to the Jackson area. Justin’s ongoing experimentation and meticulous dough testing helped refine the pizza recipes, ultimately enabling him to grow and expand the business. By 2002, the second Justin Tyme Pizza opened in Napoleon and shortly thereafter, a third location emerged in Grass Lake. Notably, Grass Lake was the original pizza shop where Justin began his journey as a teenager, known as Trackside Pizza.
This fast-paced industry excited Justin and it seemed he was beginning to master the pizza business, but the self-taught pizzaiolo dreamt of more.
In 2007, following nine years of operation, all three Justin Tyme establishments were successfully sold. Equipped with extensive experience and knowledge of the pizza industry, Justin was eager to elevate his pizza journey to new heights.
The foundation of his innovative restaurant concept: a sophisticated yet relaxed sit-down pizzeria, offering fresh pizza styles in a welcoming and pristine environment. Later that same year, Klavon’s Pizzeria and Pub made its debut, primarily focusing on take-out and delivery with limited dine-in seating available.
With exceptional food offerings at reasonable prices, Klavon’s quickly gained widespread popularity. As the demand for dine-in surged, the restaurant redefined its business model by discontinuing pizza delivery and embarking on a series of enhancements. These improvements included the addition of more seating, sizable television displays, and the introduction of a full-service cocktail bar to elevate the overall dining experience. The restaurant’s décor was thoughtfully designed, featuring modern, earthy materials, dynamic sports-themed murals, and music videos to create a complete and vibrant ambiance.
While the core menu remained consistent, occasional introductions of new specialty pizzas showcased fresh ingredients and trending pizza styles. Klavon’s distinctive take on the original Chicago-style stuffed pizza earned them a prominent place in the industry and cultivated a dedicated fan base. In 2011, Klavon’s claimed the title of Jackson’s best pizza, and in 2013, it secured a coveted spot on the MLive Top Ten list of the best pizzas in the state of Michigan.
The need for expansion became evident due to the daily long queues and extended wait times. In June 2014, a second Klavon’s establishment emerged in Jackson, Michigan, rapidly garnering enthusiastic reviews, and a devoted customer base. This state-of-the-art facility, constructed from the ground up, featured contemporary décor influenced by both pizza and sports themes. Additionally, it introduced Detroit-style pizza and a serene outdoor patio, further enhancing the dining experience.
By 2019, plans were in place to inaugurate the third location in Mason, situated just south of Lansing, MI. This restaurant, too, was meticulously constructed from the ground up, maintaining a consistent look and feel while also adding authentic Neapolitan pizza to the menu offerings. The Mason establishment also boasts a remarkable 10-foot fish tank, an atrium-style room that fills the space with natural light, and an inviting pizza bar where guests can observe the Italian brick oven and pizzaiolo at work. Notably, Klavon’s of Mason recently received the distinction of being voted the best pizza in Lansing for both 2022 and 2023.
As Klavon’s continued to flourish, and the company’s long-term growth plans took shape, it became evident that the original location would have to be permanently closed. In 2020, after 13 years of pizza-making excellence at the original Klavon’s in Northwest, the difficult decision was confirmed. The original Klavon’s laid the groundwork for future expansion and played a pivotal role in establishing Klavon’s as a well-known, hospitality-focused restaurant. The closure allowed the team to redirect focus to the Jackson and Mason locations, where they perceived countless opportunities to perfect their craft.
The pizza journey begins as Justin Klavon takes on a delivery job at Trackside Pizza. It would build the foundation of his pizza-making passion and skills.
At 19 years old, Justin introduces Justin Tyme Pizza, a take-out and delivery concept in Jackson, MI, serving delicious pizza and subs.
With a growing appetite, Justin Tyme Pizza opens its second location in Napoleon, MI, followed shortly by a third in Grass Lake, MI.
After years of planning, Klavon’s makes it opening debut in Rives Junction Michigan, with its first store showcasing amazing pizza, dine-in seating, and a full-service cocktail bar.
Hard work pays off, and Klavon’s is named Jackon’s best pizza in 2011 and secures a spot on the M-Live Top Ten list of Michigan’s best pizzas in 2013.
Business is booming and the need for a second stores arises. Klavon’s opens its second location in Jackson, MI. Designed from the ground up with contemporary décor, an outdoor patio, a upper mezzanine for parties, and a new Detroit style pizza.
Craving something new, Klavon’s opens its third location in Mason, MI, featuring a modern design and feel all while introducing Neapolitan style pizza.
All good things come to an end, and after 13 years of success, the original Klavon’s location in Northwest closes, paving the way for further growth.
Today, Klavon’s proudly maintains a remarkable workforce of nearly 250 dedicated staff members, welcoming 500,000 guests and crafting 350,000 pizzas annually. Justin shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. When questioned about what lies ahead for Klavon’s, he responds, “Our future truly hinges on the individuals we have as part of our team. If we have the right people who share the enthusiasm for continued growth, then we will move forward with opening additional restaurants. How far we go is ultimately determined by the team.”
Along the way there have been many changes, but the fact is Klavon’s never deviates from its mission of handcrafting excellent pizza and executing a high standard of service.
We’re excited to announce that our drive-thru window is now open! You can conveniently pick up your order at the drive-thru window, located at the southwest corner of the building.
