A popular New York-style pizza place has unveiled its new location in Sunderland city centre.
Slice Sunderland will be opening its doors in Market Square this summer, having relocated from Vaux Brewery to larger premises at the former Meet & Eat, a unit owned by the Bridges Shopping Centre.
Since starting out in 2021 - from a hatch at the back of the Coalface pub in Seaham - Slice has become a huge hit, serving its staple margherita and pepperoni slices, as well as weekly specials, priced between £2.75 and £3.25 for a slice.
Last summer, business partners Mark Milroy and Andy Smith expanded the business into Sunderland, with a hatch at Vaux Brewery in Roker. However, they quickly decided they needed more space and increased footfall during peak times.
Mark said: “The hatch at Vaux was a brilliant opportunity for us and we had great footfall on match days, but we think Sunderland city centre has huge potential for Slice to serve people in the city on a more regular basis.
“At the new premises, we’ll have more counter space but will be serving up the same New-York style slices, loaded fries and meal deals. We’re also working on some new branding which we can’t wait to share.”
The move will see Slice create eight new jobs, which will be open Monday through to Sunday for people who want to grab a slice on the go.
“The new location is ideal for shoppers and people working in the city centre who want grab a slice for lunch, and we’ll also be open into the early evening for those who want to takeaway one of our huge 24-inch pizzas to enjoy at home,” said Mark.
“It feels like such a good time to be moving to Sunderland city centre. There’s so much development taking place and Sunderland’s time is coming, and we’ll hopefully get a small slice of the action.”
Karen Eve, centre director of the Bridges Shopping Centre, said: “It’s great to see independent business expand and succeed. We will do everything we can to help support the Slice team on their next steps in the city.”
The Business Investment Team at Sunderland City Council worked with Slice to find the new premises that will help grow its presence in the city.
Mark added: “We’re really grateful for the support from the council, who have helped us explore the opportunities available in the city and how we can get the most out of our new venture.”
Cllr Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “We were delighted to support local entrepreneurs Mark and Andy with finding a suitable premises for Slice Sunderland.
“With the success of Slice Seaham and their introduction to the Sunderland market through their hatch at Vaux Brewery, I’m confident their new shop will be a very welcomed addition to our city centre.”