A year ago, Whole Slvce Pizza brought a slice of New York City to the Old Pueblo, opening their shop at 160 S. Avenida del Convento. Owners Ari Shapiro and Travis Evans fired up the oven — and they haven’t cooled off since.
“As owners of Falora (3000 E. Broadway Blvd.), we know that there’s a seemingly insatiable appetite for great pizza in town, not to mention all the other wonderful spots,” said Shapiro. “Yet we seem to have hit a nerve with the whole ‘slice joint’ walk-up vibe.”
For Evans and Shapiro, Whole Slvce Pizza is special because they both have connections to New York City. Shapiro grew up just outside the city, and Evans worked there for a few years, baking for Sullivan Street’s Jim Lahey.
“We long ago lost track of the number of customers from New York and New Jersey who’d march in and tell us, ‘I’m gonna tell you how good your pizza is ’cause I’m from so-and-so. Such-and-such is the best pie around,'” Shapiro said. “They’d then confess that we’re in the pantheon! We have truly built up a roster of regulars that rivals any business I’ve owned here.”
To celebrate one year under their belts, they’re serving slices of CC1 and VV1 (tomato sauce, Romano, and mozzarella) for $3.65, for one day only on Thursday, May 1.
“We could not have asked for a better year one,” Shapiro added. “Tucson came out for us in a big way. We love being part of the growing Mercado District — all our neighbors are so amazing and supportive.”
Throughout their first year, new items made appearances on the menu, much like the Sicilian pies. They’re massive, loaded with pepperoni (if that’s what you’re craving), and a fun companion to take to large gatherings.
When it comes to their one-off specials, folks tend to “rush the stage” once its shared on social media. The crew at Whole Slvce can barely keep ’em on the counter.
“As for the next year, we want to keep dialing it in, as we never rest on laurels,” Shaprio said. “We are super stoked about our direct neighbor opening, Herbert’s Delicatessen. Alex is also a doughmaster and is going to bring some great bagels to the mix. This will truly elevate this little Monier spot to the next level of the urban scene.”
So swing by on Thursday, May 1 to celebrate their one-year anniversary — and grab a slice while you’re at it.
“We also have a couple of expansion opportunities that we’re considering,” Shapiro added. “We are happy to keep digging in and making customers delicious food.”
Whole Slvce Pizza is located at the ground floor level of Monier Apartments, 160 S. Avenida del Convento. For more information, visit wholeslvcepizza.com and follow Whole Slvce Pizza on Instagram.
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