COMING SOON: The team behind Falora to open a New York-style pizzeria

It’s been a decade now since the doors to Falora swung open, welcoming everyone inside to an atmosphere filled with scents of freshly baked and inventive pizzas. Now in its 10th year, the pizza spot is expanding its hours and pumping up its Happy Hour deals, but there’s something new we need to address first.

Ari Shapiro and Travis Evans, partners at Falora, are proud to announce that their new venture, WHOLE SLVCE PIZZA, is set to open later this year. The new concept, which will be located in the Mercado District at 160 S. Avenida del Convento, will have a nostalgic feel of a pizza joint in New York City.

“While Falora specializes in wood-fired pies, the new joint will be all about deck-oven slices and large pies. It will hark to the New York City walk-up spots that have played a part in our pasts,” said Shapiro, who grew up just outside New York City. Evans, who’s a Tucsonan, worked in the city for many years, baking for Sullivan Street’s Jim Lahey.

The restaurant will be nestled in a small space located on the ground floor of the new Monier Apartments, lending a true urban feel to the concept.

“As with Falora, the emphasis will be on fermented dough, quality fresh toppings, plentiful vegan options, and a mix of traditional and creative on the menu,” Shapiro added about the new pie concept.

Stay tuned for an actual grand opening date as we mosey on throughout the year. Meanwhile, the team at Falora is pleased to announce some newness happening at the restaurant.

What’s new at Falora?

First, and in the same vein as a ball of dough in the oven, Falora’s dinner service hours are expanding to 4 – 9 p.m. on Wednesday – Sunday (closed Monday and Tuesday).

To add a little extra cheese on top, the restaurant is amping up its Happy Hour (4 – 5 p.m.) and Reverse Happy Hour (8 – 9 p.m.). They’re offering $10 pizza pies — your choice of the Margherita, Marinara, and Bianca — and half-off all wine and beer.

“Not to worry, we’re still keeping our classic Vino + Vinyl Hour too,” said Shapiro. If you bring in an LP record to play between 4 – 5 p.m. on Wednesday – Sunday you’ll get a free bottle of Chianti on the house.

Falora is located at 3000 E. Broadway Blvd. For more information, visit falora.com. WHOLE SLVCE PIZZA will be located at the ground floor level of Monier Apartments, 160 S. Avenida del Convento.