The birth of Slice Factory Drive-Thru
Drive-thru is emerging as the next frontier for restaurants—especially for pizza chains. In the wake of the pandemic, convenience became paramount, and major brands like Pizza Hut have begun testing drive-thru concepts to cater to shifting consumer demands. In Berwyn, Illinois, Slice Factory was already ahead of the curve. Founded in 1998 by Italian immigrants, the company’s humble beginnings as a family-owned pizzeria set the stage for innovation and growth. Today, under the leadership of Dom DiDiana, Slice Factory has transformed into a regional powerhouse with 10 locations across the Chicagoland area, thanks in part to its revolutionary drive-thru service.
A Family Dream and the Birth of a Brand
The story of Slice Factory is one steeped in family history and the American dream. Dom DiDiana’s parents opened the original pizzeria in 1998 with a simple mission—to provide affordable, high-quality pizza to everyday people. Inspired by their hard work and dedication, DiDiana took the reins in 2013 and rebranded the small chain into what is now known as Slice Factory. The rebranding was driven by the vision of franchising and growth, and it also meant refining the menu to focus on what the brand does best: serving massive pizzas by the slice.
As the brand evolved, one key innovation set it apart: the Slice Thru™ drive-thru. In 2018, when a larger building with a drive-thru became available next door to the original location, DiDiana saw an opportunity. After a year of renovations and testing, the first Slice Thru was launched in 2019—well before larger chains began experimenting with similar concepts. This innovation not only provided a faster service—delivering a hot slice in under three minutes—but also allowed Slice Factory to thrive even during challenging weather conditions and late-night hours.
The Innovation: Balancing Tradition and New Concepts
What makes Slice Factory truly unique is how it marries its storied past with cutting-edge innovation. The brand is renowned for its signature Jumbo Slice—an enormous, 28-inch pizza cut into generous slices that has been a hit since the ’90s. Yet, innovation doesn’t stop there. Today, Slice Factory is equally proud to introduce its latest menu standout: the EDGE Pizza.
While the Jumbo Slice remains the heart of the menu, celebrating tradition and the legacy of affordable, family-friendly food, the EDGE Pizza brings a fresh twist to the table. Crafted with a 360-degree crispy crust and a unique blend of toppings, EDGE Pizza offers customers a modern, bold alternative that complements the classic Jumbo Slice. Both offerings are promoted with equal passion, reinforcing Slice Factory’s commitment to pizza catering to a diverse range of tastes—from the loyal fans of the iconic Jumbo Slice to those eager to try the innovative EDGE Pizza.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Technology
The journey to national franchising was not without hurdles. DiDiana recalls the extensive legal work and operational overhauls required to scale the business. In addition to streamlining the menu to focus on pizza, wings, and salads, Slice Factory had to innovate its service model. The decision to cut down the menu was strategic—it ensured quality and consistency across every outlet. Today, whether a customer orders a Jumbo Slice or an EDGE Pizza, they experience the same high standard of fresh, flavorful food delivered quickly via the Slice Thru.
Advancements in technology have played a significant role in this evolution. The chain’s mobile app now boasts nearly 100,000 downloads, enabling customers to order their favorite slice with ease. With experiments in AI voice ordering and plans to install interactive kiosks across locations, Slice Factory continues to refine the ordering process. Furthermore, the company is collaborating with Nala Robotics to develop Pizzaiola—a fully automated pizza maker that can handle dough stretching, sauce application, topping distribution, baking, slicing, and boxing without human intervention. This drive to innovate not only optimizes efficiency but also allows franchisees to focus on delivering an exceptional customer experience.
Expansion and the Future of Slice Factory
Looking ahead, Slice Factory is set on expanding beyond the Chicagoland area. Recently, the chain announced its first venture into Indiana, marking the beginning of a strategic push to reach 100 locations by 2030 across the Midwest. “I really want to be no more than a car drive away to support our franchisees as we grow,” DiDiana explains—a philosophy that underscores the brand’s commitment to quality service and community engagement.
Whether it’s the dependable Jumbo Slice that pays homage to the brand’s heritage or the innovative EDGE Pizza that signals its forward-thinking approach, Slice Factory is continually evolving. Every new drive-thru location is built with the future in mind, ensuring that both traditional and modern pizza lovers find something to rave about.
Ultimately, DiDiana is living out his father’s dream. The drive-thru model, the balanced menu offerings, and the relentless pursuit of excellence all contribute to a business that is not only profitable but also deeply connected to its roots. Slice Factory is inviting franchise inquiries from experienced entrepreneurs ready to join a family-driven, technology-powered, and community-focused brand.