Aubree's Pizzeria Celebrates First Year in Dexter

, the downtown Dexter restaurant known for its gourmet pies and cozy atmosphere, is celebrating its one-year anniversary this month.

Lisa Morden, general manager for the restaurant, said since opening in August 2011, business at the chain's Dexter location has been booming.

"The community has been very good to us and very supportive," Morden said. "It was a rough ride at first because the local businesses were skeptical of another restaurant opening on Main Street, but we've had a good working relationship with , , and the ."

Aubree's has developed its loyal following in large part due to its unique pizzas and selection of Michigan-made beers.

"Dexter is a small community and the residents want to support local businesses, so people keep giving us a chance," Morden said. "I think our variety helps out a lot, too. We change the menu about every three months just to try new things. We're always open to suggestions from our customers."

Veronica Carstairs of Ypsilanti has been with the company since it opened last year and recently moved to the village.

"I love the area and the people I work with," she said. "We're like a little family."

Carstairs said she is grateful for the loyal customers who have allowed the company to grow and work out its first-year kinks.

"It's always chaos when a new restaurant opens. There is constant improvement no matter what," she said.

Carstairs and Morden said the staff is looking forward to Dexter Daze this year since the restaurant was recently granted approval for extended hours. Aubree's is now open Sundays through Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Whether people come for the pizza, the craft beers, the burgers or the friendly atmosphere, Carstairs is just happy that customers have kept coming in regularly over the last year. 

“We hear all the time that we were a perfect addition to downtown," she said. "Knowing that customers are coming back because they enjoy the staff and not just for the food makes a huge difference."

Vote for Aubree's in the . The contest ends Aug. 17.