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.”
Anniversary Special
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.”
Here’s to Year Two
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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Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
