A slice of Brooklyn has come to UNC’s very own University Center. Empire State Pizza is expanding from their location on Eight Avenue and Garden City to right next door. Owner of Empire State Pizza Michael Schwartz says that the kitchen work has always been a passion of his.
“I’m kind of a lifelong kitchen worker. Eight years working for Empire State Pizza, I’m the current general manager there,” Schwartz said.
The original location was a bar for years. The food service company on campus began the search for a local pizza joint last year.
“It’s kind of a funny story, but they reached out to me. Said they were looking for a local pizza place. And I said, yeah how come you picked Empire? Dude, he told me that I was the only one who called him back,” Schwartz said.
The pizza place at the University Center has a variety of options for students and staff to satisfy any carnivore or veggie lover.
“We like working at a pizza place. So, we make our own dough, shredded cheese and we hand toss every pizza and we put it right on a stone in a brick oven,” Schwartz said.
Schwartz and the rest of Empire State Pizza staff say they’re excited to be more involved in the UNC community.
