Square Slice Pizzeria will make its debut inside of Old North Arcade this Friday, August 13.
The descriptive name is a nod to the style of pies that Square Slice will be slinging: Detroit-style deep dish.
While Columbus has plenty of pizza, and pizza nearby with the likes of Hounddog’s, “Detroit style is something that’s very underrepresented in the marketplace,” says Owner Benjamin Morgan.
While some local spots are popping up offering the unique style of pie, most eaters associate Detroit style with Jet’s. Square Slice will offer that same signature caramelized cheese edge, but with a focus on high-quality ingredients.
“We wanted to go with a hyper-minimalist style,” Morgan says. “Basically we just have one menu item and that’s our Detroit style pizza.”
Square Slice’s version starts with a house-made focaccia crust that’s cold fermented for a minimum of 24 hours, giving the dough a slight tang and a bite that’s crispy on the outside, pillowy on the inside.
Next comes a house-made marinara and Grande cheeses – mozzarella and provolone. Toppings span a classic lineup: locally loved Ezzo pepperoni, sausage, banana peppers, onions, mushrooms, etc. Each pie is finished with chili-infused honey, a sprinkling of Pecorino Romano for a salty crunch, and fresh basil.
There are no house specialities, but diners build the exact pie they want for $1 a topping. And there’s one size – 8 x 10 inches ($12), a recommended feast for two.
There’s also only one side: cheesy bread sporting a garlic herb compound butter, and one dessert: cannoli chips.
The pizzeria will bring eats back to Old North Arcade after the departure of Forty’s Chicken & Waffles last year. Morgan says that while Forty’s served up quality food, it’s appeal was largely limited to the late-night, drunk munchies crowd.
“We wanted something that could offer a true lunch and dinner service as well as still have that late-night munchies component,” Morgan says.
There were a number of reasons that pizza fit the bill. As a go-to spot for parties, celebrations and company outings, Forty’s also didn’t lend itself well to catering – and Morgan noticed a trend: If they didn’t opt for the chicken & waffles, party-goers always ordered pizza.
Pizza was also the perfect complement to bring about that 80s/90s nostalgia Morgan was going for with the creation of the Old North Arcade. Growing up playing video games with friends, Morgan says it was never a question if they were getting pizza, but from where.
Morgan piloted Square Slice at Old North’s sister arcade in Huntington, WV, opening the pizzeria in June 2021. An immediate hit, Morgan started working to get the Columbus location up and running.
Square Slice will offer dine-in at Old North Arcade and its patio, as well as delivery and carryout.
Square Slice Pizzeria, 2593 N. High St., will be open Thursday from 4 p.m. – 12 a.m.; Friday from 4 p.m. – 1 a.m.; Saturday from 12 p.m. – 1 a.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. – 12 a.m.
For more information, visit squareslicepizzeria.com.