Chicago Pizza Concept Slice Factory Scores With Drive-Thru
How’d you start Slice Factory?
My family history is one of those classic coming-to-America stories. My father immigrated from Italy in the ‘70s and worked all kinds of jobs to provide for our family. With my grandmother already experienced in the restaurant business, it was only natural that my parents would enter the food industry. In the early ‘90s, we even spent a few years in Italy before returning to Chicago in 1998 to launch our very first pizza restaurant.
I literally grew up in the business. As a child, I was always in the kitchen—getting in the way, lending a hand, and soaking in every detail of how the restaurant ran. Those early experiences taught me the ins and outs of the pizza trade and ignited a lifelong passion for both people and the food industry.
The Transformation and Rebranding
Fast forward to around 2012, when our family operated three restaurants. My father always dreamed of franchising and creating a national brand that would carry our legacy forward. Recognizing the need for a cohesive concept, I dove into research. I quickly realized that to franchise successfully, our business needed a streamlined, distinctive identity. That led to the rebranding of our restaurants into what is now known as Slice Factory. By trimming down the menu and refining our operations, we minimized inconsistencies and established a strong foundation for expansion. We officially began franchising in 2017, growing from three to 13 locations today—with eight corporate stores and five franchisee-run outlets.
Embracing Challenges and Digital Transformation
Reflecting on the past 25 years, the journey has been both rewarding and challenging. I choose to focus on the last three years—a period unlike any before. Supply chain disruptions forced us to adapt quickly. I had to relearn the art of sourcing and forecasting product needs for three to six months ahead, a challenge we had never faced in our more localized operations.
Thankfully, our early adoption of digital solutions made this transition smoother than it might have been for others. While many in the restaurant space were still catching up digitally, we had already shifted our ordering and management processes online. This digital presence not only helped us weather the storm during COVID-19 but also positioned us well as consumer behavior continued to evolve.
A Proud Chicago Heritage in a Competitive Market
I was born and raised in Chicago—this city is where my parents first planted their roots in the pizza business. Chicago’s market is renowned for its competitive mom-and-pop pizza places. Yet, I firmly believe that if you’ve got a great product, success is inevitable. And so far, our track record speaks for itself.
One of our standout innovations is the Slice-Thru™ drive-thru. This concept has been a game changer. With the drive-thru, customers can quickly order not only our famous pizzas but also wings, salads, and even whole pies—all in a matter of minutes. The convenience of the Slice-Thru was especially invaluable during the height of the pandemic and continues to be a key competitive advantage.
The Power of the Slice-Thru and Menu Innovation
Our drive-thru success isn’t just about speed—it’s about innovation and understanding our customers’ needs. With the Slice-Thru, we cater to those who crave convenience without compromising quality. In addition to our classic offerings, our menu now proudly features two flagship products: the iconic Jumbo Slice and the innovative EDGE Pizza.
The Jumbo Slice has been our bread and butter since the ’90s—a massive 28-inch pizza cut into generous slices that embodies our family’s legacy and commitment to hearty, affordable food. Balancing this, we introduced EDGE Pizza, a modern twist that features a 360-degree crispy crust and bold flavor combinations. By giving equal prominence to both products, we ensure that our menu appeals to traditional pizza lovers while also enticing those looking for a new, exciting experience.
Adapting for Franchise Growth
Not every location is suited for a drive-thru model. We recognize that in dense urban areas—such as downtown Chicago—a drive-thru simply isn’t feasible. That’s why we continue to offer non-Slice-Thru models for franchisees whose locations may not accommodate a drive-thru. This flexibility allows us to maintain a strong presence throughout the region while respecting the unique demands of each market.
Our franchise model is built on this adaptability. With a clear, streamlined concept and a focus on digital integration, we’re actively seeking passionate entrepreneurs to join our family. Our goal is not just to expand our brand but also to ensure that every new store reflects the same commitment to quality, efficiency, and community values that we’ve upheld for over two decades.
A Family Tradition on Friday Nights
Despite the innovations and challenges of running a multi-unit franchise, some traditions remain unchanged. Every Friday night in our family is pizza night. I always bring home an extra-large jumbo pizza—half topped with savory sausage and the other half loaded with fresh mushrooms. It’s a simple reminder that no matter how much we innovate, the heart of our business is about bringing people together over great food.