Vanessa Baumann 
A common thread among Montclair’s local food business owners is their diverse cultural backgrounds, which emphasize the importance of connecting with the community and treating customers like family. The Demirpence brothers, who own Maker Pizza located at 171 Forest Street, a new pizza restaurant in Montclair, fit right into the heartbeat of Montclair’s dining community, sharing their culture and love of family. Read more about the Demirpence brothers, their journey from Turkey to the United States, and their latest pizza venture, Maker Pizza.
The Story Behind Maker Pizza
Maker Pizza, located at 171 Forest Street, Montclair, is the creation of Fahri, Mustafa, and Ahmet Demirpence. Fahri, who was studying hotel management and working in a bakery in his homeland of Turkey, came to the United States, landing in New Jersey to improve his English skills. He found jobs in various Turkish restaurants, where his passion for cooking continued to grow. Fahri’s passion and curiosity for pizza also grew, which is not popular in Turkey. Fahri eventually moved to Philadelphia, where the three brothers opened their first pizza restaurant in 2015. Soon after, they opened their second restaurant, Founded Pizza, in 2016, followed by the third restaurant, Maker Pizza, which opened just before the COVID-19 pandemic and closed shortly after the epidemic began.
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Fahri did not want Maker Pizza’s journey to end. He felt strongly about giving the restaurant a new start in New Jersey, the state that welcomed him when he first came to America. The brothers searched for the perfect location, which led them to the corner of Forest Street and Chestnut Street in Montclair.
Fahri’s relationship with pizza is a love story based on its main ingredient, flour. His experience as a baker taught him the importance of using the finest flour and the limitless possibilities that can be created with dough. He believes dough is a living thing, and the love put into making it comes through in the taste. Maker Pizza uses only the freshest ingredients, starting with unbleached flour, fresh tomatoes for their sauce, the finest cheeses, and locally sourced produce. The special brick oven was also installed, which adds another layer of flavor to the pies.
The brothers know that people can buy pizza everywhere, so it means a lot to them that the community is coming in, letting them feed them, and bringing their food home to their families. Authentically connecting to their customers is what inspires every pizza they make fresh every day.
What to Expect
Maker Pizza has an extensive and diverse menu. From the traditional plain pie to the Philly Cheesesteak pizza, veggie pizza, General Tso’s chicken pizza, and the new Mike’s Hot pizza featuring Mike’s Hot Honey, the choices are almost unlimited.
Four styles of pizza are also available, including specialty round 12-inch pizzas, specialty square 16-inch pizzas, Detroit-style pizzas, and gluten-free pizzas. The Montclair Girl loves the Margherita burrata pesto pie.
There is a selection of strombolis, calzones, salads, Buffalo wings, chicken fingers, garlic knots, and French fries. We suggest the Founded Fries with mozzarella, cheese wiz, ranch, and turkey bacon. MG pro-tip: leave room for dessert.
The restaurant provides both delivery and pickup options. Customers are also welcome to dine in the restaurant and its outdoor garden and patio.
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Hours
Maker Pizza is open Monday through Sunday from 10AM – 8PM. Follow the spot on Instagram here.
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