Gilbert, February 1, 2026
Gilbert welcomes the opening of Slice House by Tony Gemignani, enhancing its vibrant culinary scene. The restaurant, debuting in February 2026, offers a diverse menu, including regional pizza styles and specialty dishes. This expansion not only enriches local dining options but also supports job creation and showcases Gilbert’s thriving business environment, further establishing the town as a desirable destination for innovative ventures.
Gilbert
Slice House by Tony Gemignani Arrives: A Boost for Gilbert’s Entrepreneurial Spirit
Gilbert welcomes a significant new addition to its vibrant culinary scene with the forthcoming opening of Slice House by Tony Gemignani. This expansion represents a tangible win for local diners and a testament to the thriving business environment that continues to attract innovative ventures to the East Valley.
The arrival of a concept from a 13-time World Pizza Champion underscores the region’s appeal for established brands seeking new markets. It reflects the dynamic interplay between entrepreneurial vision and a supportive local economy, demonstrating how individual achievement can translate into community growth and increased consumer choice. Gilbert’s reputation as a rapidly expanding city, coupled with proactive business development initiatives, creates fertile ground for such enterprises to flourish, contributing to a diverse and robust local job market.
The opening of Slice House by Tony Gemignani in February 2026 marks its debut in Arizona, becoming the franchise’s presence in an eighth state. Located at 3115 S. Val Vista Drive, Suite 101, this new pizzeria occupies a strategically chosen site within one of Gilbert’s bustling dining corridors. The launch is expected to generate numerous full-time and part-time employment opportunities within the community, reinforcing the positive impact of new business investments.
The Visionary Behind the Craft
The driving force behind Slice House is Tony Gemignani, a name synonymous with excellence in the pizza world. His journey began in 1991 at his brother’s Pyzano’s Pizzeria in Castro Valley, California, where he cultivated a passion for the craft, entertaining customers with his pizza throwing skills. This dedication propelled him to become an 8-time World Champion Pizza Acrobat and a 13-time World Pizza Champion, including the prestigious title of World Champion Pizza Maker in Naples, Italy, a first for an American and non-Neapolitan.
Gemignani’s path highlights a significant entrepreneurial evolution. Initially, he held reservations about franchising his concepts, preferring to focus on his acclaimed restaurants like Tony’s Pizza Napoletana in San Francisco. However, demonstrating remarkable adaptability and strategic foresight, he pivoted after 2020 to embrace a franchise model, scaling Slice House into an expanding empire with approximately 150 locations either open or in development over the next couple of years. This strategic shift exemplifies resilience and the ability of seasoned entrepreneurs to innovate and expand, even in challenging economic climates, by developing scalable systems while maintaining a commitment to quality.
A Diverse Culinary Offering for the East Valley
Slice House in Gilbert is poised to become a destination for pizza enthusiasts, offering a wide array of regional pizza styles that are not typically found under one roof. The menu will feature classic New York, Sicilian, Grandma, and Detroit-style pizzas, available both by the slice and as whole pies. Beyond these foundational styles, patrons can explore specialty pizzas such as Tomato Pie, Hawaiian Hit Man, BBQ Chicken, and Hot Honey.
The restaurant’s commitment to a broad appeal is also evident in its diverse menu, which extends beyond pizza to include fresh pasta dishes, salads, and wings. Thoughtful consideration has also been given to dietary preferences, with gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options available. Complementing the food offerings, Slice House will provide a selection of beverages, including craft beers, premium wines, and non-alcoholic choices. This comprehensive approach caters to a wide range of tastes, enhancing Gilbert’s already rich culinary landscape.
Gilbert: A Beacon for Business Growth and Opportunity
The decision by Slice House to establish its first Arizona location in Gilbert underscores the town’s reputation as a premier destination for businesses and entrepreneurs. Gilbert is consistently recognized as one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation, a trajectory that naturally attracts new investment and innovative concepts. This growth is not accidental but is supported by a strategic focus on economic development and a business-friendly environment.
The Town of Gilbert actively fosters entrepreneurial success through various initiatives. Programs like “Taking Care of Small Business (TCSB)” offer crucial assistance to emerging enterprises, guiding them through the often-complex planning, permitting, and licensing processes. This streamlined support system helps to reduce regulatory hurdles, enabling small businesses to launch and expand more efficiently. Additionally, resources such as The CATALYST – Gilbert’s Business Resource Center – provide invaluable consultations, mentoring, workshops, and networking opportunities, serving as a vital hub for local business owners. Furthermore, state-level incentives like the Small Business Capital Investment Tax Credit Program, offering up to a 35% income tax credit for qualified investments, and the Transaction Privilege and Use Tax Exemption for manufacturing equipment, exemplify policies designed to stimulate economic activity and reward private sector ingenuity. These combined efforts create an ecosystem where new ventures like Slice House can confidently invest, create jobs, and contribute to the community’s prosperity.
Arizona’s Flourishing Restaurant Industry
Slice House’s entry into Arizona aligns with a broader trend of significant growth and dynamism within the state’s restaurant sector. The Arizona restaurant industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience and expansion, particularly in the post-2020 period. Metro Phoenix, in particular, is experiencing a booming restaurant scene characterized by historically low vacancy rates for prime commercial spaces and an upward trend in rental costs, indicative of high demand and a competitive market. By the end of the first quarter, the restaurant vacancy rate in metro Phoenix stood at a mere 4.4%.
The vast majority of restaurants across the Valley are reporting higher top-line sales than ever before, reflecting robust consumer demand. State-level projections indicate that Arizona’s restaurants are expected to generate $23 billion in sales by the close of 2024, employing nearly 300,000 individuals across approximately 12,000 establishments. On a larger scale, Arizona boasts 12,321 restaurants serving a population of over 7.15 million, with annual sales reaching $22.1 billion and employing 254,200 people. This impressive growth is fueled by a steady influx of both residents and businesses into the state, creating a strong economic environment that supports new culinary ventures and fosters a thriving dining culture.
Community Integration and Future Growth
The opening of Slice House in Gilbert is more than just a new dining option; it represents a successful integration of a national brand with local ownership and community focus. The Gilbert location will be franchised and operated by Jason Pastore, a native of the East Valley and a long-standing admirer of the Slice House concept. This local connection ensures that the new establishment is not only a business venture but also a community-minded enterprise, deeply rooted in the area it serves.
As Slice House by Tony Gemignani prepares to open its doors, it joins a growing number of businesses contributing to the economic vitality and diverse offerings of Gilbert and the greater Phoenix area. The continued attraction of high-caliber entrepreneurial endeavors, supported by a favorable business climate and engaged community, positions Gilbert for sustained economic growth and an enhanced quality of life for its residents. Investing in and supporting these local establishments is key to perpetuating the cycle of innovation and prosperity that defines our region.
Frequently Asked Questions about Slice House by Tony Gemignani in Gilbert, AZ
- When is Slice House by Tony Gemignani opening its first Arizona restaurant?
- Slice House by Tony Gemignani is opening its first Arizona location in February 2026.
- Where will the first Slice House be located in Arizona?
- The first Arizona Slice House will be located at 3115 S. Val Vista Drive, Suite 101, in Gilbert, AZ.
- What types of pizza will Slice House in Gilbert offer?
- Slice House in Gilbert will offer artisan pizza styles including New York, Sicilian, Grandma, and Detroit-style pizzas, available by the slice or as whole pies. Specialty pizzas include Tomato Pie, Hawaiian Hit Man, BBQ Chicken, and Hot Honey.
- Will Slice House offer items other than pizza?
- Yes, Slice House in Gilbert will also offer pasta, salads, and wings.
- Who is Tony Gemignani?
- Tony Gemignani is a 13-time World Pizza Champion and World Champion Pizza Maker in Naples, Italy.
- How many Slice House locations are there or in development?
- Slice House is expanding into an eighth state with the Gilbert opening, and there are approximately 150 franchises either open or in development over the next year or two.
Key Features of Slice House by Tony Gemignani in Gilbert
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Opening Date | February 2026 |
| Location | 3115 S. Val Vista Drive, Suite 101, Gilbert, AZ |
| Concept | Fast-casual pizza franchise |
| Pizza Styles | New York, Sicilian, Grandma, Detroit-style |
| Specialty Pizzas | Tomato Pie, Hawaiian Hit Man, BBQ Chicken, Hot Honey |
| Additional Menu Items | Pasta, salads, wings |
| Dietary Options | Gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian available |
| Beverages | Craft beers, premium wines, non-alcoholic sodas and juices |
| Seating | Indoor seating for 14 |
| Franchise Expansion | First Arizona location, expanding into an eighth state |
| Jobs Created | Expected to bring numerous full- and part-time jobs to the Gilbert community |
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