Detroit pizza pop-up at Baby Driver introduces Eminem-themed menu and limited activation dates
9MILE Pizza and Baby Driver have launched a Detroit pizza pop-up in Melbourne CBD, introducing a limited-time venue dedicated to the style. The activation operates from the upstairs space at Baby Driver, located above Beneath Driver Lane. It features a menu built around rectangular pizzas with thick crusts and caramelised cheese edges.
The collaboration brings together two Melbourne hospitality brands, with the offering centred on dine-in service across select days. The venue operates Thursday from 5pm to late, Friday and Saturday from 4pm to late, and Sunday from 4pm to late.
The menu includes multiple pizzas named after tracks associated with Detroit artist Eminem. “Without Me” features a cheese blend, marinara, parmesan and basil, while “9MILE Signature” includes pepperoni, marinara and chilli honey. “Square Dance” combines sausage from Salumi Australia, rapini broccoli, pecorino and sriracha.
Additionally, “Not Afraid” includes prawn, house-fermented chilli sauce, garlic oil, rocket and lemon. “Lose Yourself” uses provolone, blue cheese, chilli honey and chives. “The Real Thick Shady” includes BBQ sauce, pancetta, pepperoni, sausage, smoked ham, red onion, olives and pickled jalapeño.
A shared menu item titled “Ass Like That” includes a quarter portion of each pizza on one serving. This option presents the full range in a single dish for group dining.
Sides include “Mom Spaghetti” Fried Lasagne Bites served with basil pesto and truffle mac and cheese bites with house mac sauce. Each item forms part of a menu designed for dine-in service at the CBD location.
Every pizza uses Italian flour from Molino Dallagiovanna and a cheese blend supplied by That’s Amore Cheese. These ingredients form the base for the dough structure and flavour profile used across all menu items.
The beverage offering includes a cocktail list developed specifically for the collaboration. The 9Mile Last Word uses Genepy in place of chartreuse and is served over frozen Luxardo syrup. Another item includes a variation of iced Irish coffee using Jameson Black Barrel, Mr Black and espresso, topped with Hokkaido soft serve.
Menu structure and venue collaboration
The pop-up forms part of a broader concept from The Talisman Group, which operates hospitality venues across Melbourne and Brisbane. The concept draws from founder Vincent Lombino’s experience across multiple US cities, including Detroit.
“Detroit-style pizza stood out for its unapologetic flavour, texture and personality,” Lombino said. “I’ve been holding on to these recipes, waiting for the right opportunity to bring them to Melbourne. 9MILE is exactly that opportunity.”
David Burrows-Kerr, General Manager of The Talisman Group, described the product characteristics. “Detroit pizza is something special, it’s all about texture and attitude.” he said. “Cooked to perfection in rectangular steel pans with crispy edges and a soft, pillowy centre, it’s the kind of pizza people talk about.”
He also referenced the venue selection. “Baby Driver has incredible energy; it’s the perfect setting to share great pizza over drinks and music in a packed room.”
Baby Driver operates as a sister venue to Beneath Driver Lane, developed by Hamish Goonetilleke. The venue has hosted multiple collaborations within Melbourne’s food and beverage sector.
The full 9MILE Pizza menu is also available at Silo No 9 in West Melbourne for pick-up. Orders can be placed via phone or through the official website. Delivery is available through Uber Eats from Tuesday to Saturday between 4:00pm and 9:30pm.
Baby Driver, Level 1, Beneath Driver Lane, Melbourne CBD
Thursday from 5pm to late
Friday and Saturday from 4pm to late
Sunday from 4pm to late
