New York City’s vibrant pizza scene continues to expand, with several notable establishments announcing new locations and ventures in recent weeks. From a highly-anticipated outpost of a Brooklyn favorite in Little Italy to expansions of beloved slice shops across Manhattan and Brooklyn, the city’s appetite for pizza shows no sign of slowing. These developments signal a continued investment in New York’s culinary landscape, offering both residents and tourists a wider range of options to satisfy their cravings.
The latest wave of expansion is particularly notable for its diverse approaches to the classic dish. While some establishments, like L’Industrie, are focused on perfecting the New York slice, others, such as See No Evil Pizza and Paulie Gee’s, are experimenting with new formats and concepts. This dynamic environment reflects the evolving tastes of New Yorkers and the ongoing innovation within the city’s food industry. The expansion of these pizzerias also highlights the enduring appeal of a simple, yet satisfying meal, and the role that pizza plays in the city’s cultural identity.
L’Industrie Pizzeria Brings Its Acclaimed Slices to Little Italy
L’Industrie Pizzeria, widely celebrated for its exceptional slices, has officially opened its third New York City location at 197 Grand Street in Little Italy. The new shop, situated next to the historic Ferrara Bakery & Cafe, a 134-year-old institution known for its cannoli and lobster tails, promises to bring the pizzeria’s signature style to one of Manhattan’s most iconic neighborhoods. The space previously housed Margherita NYC, which has since closed.
Founded by Massimo Laveglia, with partners Nick Baglivo and former general manager Manuel Jimenez, L’Industrie has quickly gained a reputation for its thin-yet-structured crusts and carefully sourced toppings. The pizzeria first opened in Williamsburg in 2017, followed by a Manhattan location in the West Village in 2023. Eater has previously recognized L’Industrie as one of the best slice pizzerias in the city. The new Little Italy location maintains the brand’s signature counter-service format, eschewing traditional tables in favor of a focus on quick, high-quality slices.
See No Evil Pizza Expands Beyond the Subway
See No Evil Pizza, currently operating a popular location within the 50th Street subway station, is venturing above ground with a new storefront at 11 Waverly Place and Mercer Street in Greenwich Village. Partners Adrien Gallo and chef Ed Carew are behind the expansion, which represents a shift in the pizzeria’s format. The new location will offer slices from large 20-inch thin-crust rounds, alongside a menu of sides and appetizers, including Calabrian-chile-honey wings, Sicilian pigs in a blanket, and arancini. The 1,100-square-foot space will also feature 28 seats and offer beer and wine.
This expansion marks a departure from the Midtown flagship’s New York-Neapolitan-style pizza, signaling a broader culinary offering for the brand. The new format aims to provide a more comprehensive dining experience, attracting a wider range of customers and establishing See No Evil Pizza as a destination beyond the subway platform.
Paulie Gee’s Continues Growth with Two New Locations
Brooklyn-based Paulie Gee’s is expanding its footprint with two new employee-owned locations. The first, a slice shop, will open on the corner of East Sixth Street and First Avenue in the East Village, and will be owned and operated by longtime employee George Lin. The second location will be a tavern in Gowanus, Brooklyn, at 305 Nevins Street, taking over a space formerly occupied by Ample Hills ice cream. The Gowanus tavern will be managed by brothers Logan and Kyle Driscoll, both former Paulie Gee’s employees.
The East Village slice shop will follow the retro model of the original Greenpoint location, offering slices, squares, and vegan options. The Gowanus location, however, will be a more expansive venture, featuring a full bar, dining room, and rooftop deck. This new format suggests a shift towards a more comprehensive pub-style experience, offering a full Paulie Gee’s menu alongside a robust selection of drinks and outdoor seating. The employee-ownership model further underscores the pizzeria’s commitment to its staff and the local community.
The Enduring Appeal of the New York Slice
The proliferation of pizzerias across New York City speaks to the enduring appeal of this classic dish. From traditional New York slices to innovative variations, pizza continues to be a staple of the city’s culinary scene. The recent expansions of L’Industrie, See No Evil Pizza, and Paulie Gee’s demonstrate the ongoing demand for high-quality pizza and the willingness of entrepreneurs to invest in this thriving market. The success of these establishments is a testament to the power of simple ingredients, skillful preparation, and a deep understanding of the city’s diverse palate.
The competitive landscape of New York City’s pizza scene also fosters innovation and creativity. Pizzerias are constantly striving to differentiate themselves through unique toppings, crust styles, and dining experiences. This dynamic environment benefits consumers, offering a wide range of options to choose from and ensuring that the city remains a global destination for pizza lovers. The recent expansions are not merely about increasing capacity; they are about pushing the boundaries of what pizza can be and delivering exceptional experiences to customers.
As these pizzerias prepare to open their new locations, anticipation is building among pizza enthusiasts across the city. The opening dates for See No Evil’s slice shop and Paulie Gee’s two new locations have not yet been officially announced, but updates are expected in the coming weeks. The continued growth of these establishments promises to further enrich New York City’s culinary landscape and solidify its reputation as a pizza paradise.
Key Takeaways:
- L’Industrie Pizzeria has opened its third location in Little Italy, bringing its acclaimed slices to a historic neighborhood.
- See No Evil Pizza is expanding beyond the subway with a new storefront in Greenwich Village, offering a broader menu and dining experience.
- Paulie Gee’s is opening two new employee-owned locations – a slice shop in the East Village and a tavern in Gowanus – expanding its reach and commitment to the community.
- These expansions reflect the continued demand for high-quality pizza in New York City and the ongoing innovation within the city’s food industry.
The expansion of these beloved pizzerias is a clear indication of the continued vitality of New York City’s food scene. We will continue to monitor the opening dates for See No Evil and Paulie Gee’s new locations and provide updates as they turn into available. What are your thoughts on these new openings? Share your favorite pizza spots in the comments below!