Tucked into the Silver Pointe Shopping Center on Silver Parkway in Fenton, Hippo’s Pizza may be easy to overlook from the road, but locals who have discovered it know there’s something different about this independently owned restaurant.
For owner John Forsmark, a Fenton native and U.S. veteran, Hippo’s isn’t part of a national chain or franchise. It’s the product of nearly four decades in the restaurant business and a philosophy that’s refreshingly simple.
“If I don’t like it, I won’t sell it.”
That commitment has guided every decision Forsmark has made over the past 38 years while operating restaurants in Michigan, Florida and North Carolina.
Along the way, Forsmark perfected recipes that continue to define Hippo’s today. His signature sweet BBQ sauce and the unique touch of adding pickles to many menu items were inspired by his years in the Carolinas, where he also perfected the restaurant’s fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs.
When it came time to open his own restaurant in Fenton in March 2020, there was never any question that quality would come before shortcuts.
Because Hippo’s is independently owned and operated, Forsmark isn’t tied to corporate recipes or franchise rules. Instead, he focuses on generous portions, fresh ingredients and affordable prices.
“I only sell food I like to eat,” he says.
“I only sell food I like to eat.”
— John Forsmark
That philosophy is evident throughout the menu.
The restaurant’s jumbo chicken tenders have become one of its biggest customer favorites. Made from whole chicken breast fillets, they’re cooked fresh to order and are available regular, spicy or grilled. The chicken is steroid- and hormone-free, offering customers a higher-quality alternative to the pre-made products often found elsewhere.
Hippo’s also offers combination meals featuring pizza, chicken and ribs served with jumbo breadsticks, a choice of 18 sauces and a variety of comfort-food sides, including mac and cheese, fries, potato wedges, tater tots, mashed potatoes and gravy, BBQ baked beans, and coleslaw.
Pizza lovers have plenty to choose from, with sizes ranging from 10-inch personal pizzas to the restaurant’s legendary Beast Pizza.
Measuring an incredible 28 inches across and weighing nearly 15 pounds, the Beast is piled high with approximately 200 slices of pepperoni and six pounds of cheese. Forsmark proudly says it’s the largest pizza in Michigan.
His favorite line?
“You don’t come to Hippo’s to lose weight.”
Even the restaurant’s name reflects its larger-than-life personality. Forsmark first heard the name “Hippo’s” while visiting a beach burrito stand in Oahu, Hawaii, in 1982. He never forgot it, eventually creating the fun logo and family friendly brand customers recognize today.
Whether guests dine in, order carry-out, take advantage of curbside pickup, arrange delivery or book catering, Forsmark hopes every customer leaves feeling they received great food and an even better value.
And while many successful restaurants eventually expand into multiple locations, Forsmark is content keeping Hippo’s exactly where it started.
“This is the only Hippo’s,” he says proudly.
For Fenton residents looking to support a locally owned business with deep community roots, generous portions and an owner who still believes quality comes first, Hippo’s Pizza continues to deliver one meal at a time.
Hippo’s is at 17225 Silver Parkway, Fenton. Call 810-215-1255 or visit hipposmi.com.
