With a new coat of paint, City Slice Pints & Pizza is decorating the North Gate area red with a fresh take on a classic family pizza joint.
Stephen Hightower is the managing partner of City Group Hospitality, which includes three City Pork locations, City Pork Catering, and his newest addition, City Slice, located at 124 W Chimes St. Hightower has been involved in the restaurant business for over 22 years, working as a busboy, waiter, manager and now owner.
“I can’t lead people if I’m not able to have the experience of being able to do their jobs and relate to those experiences,” Hightower said.
City Slice’s menu provides a wide variety of options including subs, salads, wings and over 10 specialty pizzas. There is also a “Build a Pizza” option where customers can create a specialized pizza. Many of the featured pizzas were inspired by Hightower’s personal travels and experiences, he said.
“It came from some different travels around the nation — going to Chicago, New York, up in the Northeast,” Hightower said. “What we’ve done is bring in a little bit of New York Style, a little bit of New Haven — and at the same time I want to create something that can be Baton Rouge Style.”
Hightower said he wanted to create an atmosphere that would draw in not only college students, but also families looking to have a nice meal.
“I think we achieved it,” Hightower said. “I think it’s a place where everybody feels welcome from students to families, to professionals to anybody that enjoys good pizza. It’s been a great start and we’ve really been happy with the response we’ve gotten.” ‘
Hightower said he is passionate about bringing new and fresh businesses into the North Gate neighborhood. Location was a very important factor when it came to opening City Slice — Chimes Street seemed like a perfect fit for Hightower and his vision.
“We’ve been there now for a month, and there’s tons of walking traffic — it’s still a great place to be,” Hightower said. “If I had to describe the North Gate area, I think it’s a true reflection of Baton Rouge. There are so many diverse people down there that live there and it’s still the heart of what I think goes on. From the original Raising Cane’s to Chimes to Highland Coffee, there’s so much history there, it’s ridiculous.”
Because of the restaurant’s close proximity to campus, City Slice is able to use all of the sausages and meats made at City Pork LSU in addition to the meats used on its own pizzas.
City Slice also offers a wide variety of drinks including wine, draft beer, signature cocktails and Slice Ice, the restaurant’s boozy rendition of Maglione’s Italian Ice. Hightower is excited about the opening of the restaurant and the success it has had so far.
“We’re excited about our opportunity there,” Hightower said. “The beauty of it is that once you find a parking spot, it’s a beautiful place still to walk around and capture the spirit of the LSU community and the North Gate neighborhood.”
City Slice is open on West Chimes Street on Monday, Sept. 24, 2018.
