If you’ve been watching Vegas food news this week, you’ve probably seen announcements about the imminent launch of long-awaited mixed-use development The Bend. The imminent openings of several restaurants reported by on What Now and others were announced, too: brands like Freed’s Dessert Shop, Mothership Coffee, the Great Greek, and Union Biscuit have restaurants opening there that have been in the pipeline for what feels like (on account of literally being) years.
While those openings are the news of the day, they are not the only exciting spots opening at the Bend front. One restaurant opening there that should probably be getting a bit more attention is Metro Pizza—not only because Metro Pizza been a Vegas mainstay for decades but because the Bend location represents a move in a different direction for the beloved pizza chain.
“The idea is to get back to our original roots, to where we started back in 1980,” owner John Arena told What Now on Monday. “We’re going to be more focused on pizza by the slice. Detroit style, New York style, American artisan pizza.”
Metro Pizza, which has 7 locations in Las Vegas, has experience as a slice shop: pizza by the slice has been available in locations at Ellis Island and at the airport. But what’s coming now is a more comprehensive return to Metro’s slice-shop roots.
“We’re not to new to the slice business,” Arena said. “And it seems to be the direction people want to go. They want something that’s individualized, with a lot of variety.”
The space at the Bend comprises about 2000 square feet, with seating both inside and outside for about 70 guests in total. The menu will feature familiar Metro Pizza varieties, which include The Gotham (Pepperoni, mushrooms, sausage, green peppers, ground beef and onions), the Margherita Roman Style, and the Abbondanza (Our Meatlovers pizza made with pepperoni, sausage, ham and ground beef). Arena says you’ll be able to try Metro’s 5-day-rise Sicilian pizza by the slice too, for the first time.
“In addition to many of our most popular combinations, we will feature a rotating selection of 24 exciting new pizzas that offer both unique and classic flavors,” added Arena.
When, you ask?
“We’re expecting to be opening early summer.”
So you there you have it!
You can keep up with Metro Pizza news by following @metropizzalv on Instagram.
