The grand opening Slice House in Castro Valley by Tony Gemignani, was an emotional affair, marking the long-awaited return of the master pizzaiolo to the town where it all began.
It was over 30 years ago when a teenage Gemignani was first introduced to the business of pizza making at his brother’s restaurant, Pyzano’s Pizzeria, a family-friendly place known for its tasty food and cozy vibes. Gemignani would soon go on to become a professional pizza acrobat, and in 2007, became the World Champion Pizza Maker at the World Pizza Cup in Naples, Italy, the first American to do so.
Gemignani became an international sensation, winning global competitions —World Pizza Champion 13 times — and setting Guinness World Records. He has opened several successful pizza establishments, appeared on numerous cooking shows, written a handful of books and won many prestigious awards. But a return to Castro Valley was always on his mind.
In his grand opening speech on September 14, a tearful Gemignani thanked the loyal residents of Castro Valley for always believing in him. “I wanted to bring a pizzeria to Castro Valley in 2007, but they couldn’t tell me if I’d be able to have a wood fired pizza oven. It’s really hard to build here. As an independent operator there are so many obstacles. So I went to North Beach. But everyone kept asking me when I’d come back to Castro Valley.”
After choking up a few times, Gemignani continued, “This is a special place. I think about my mom a lot when I’m in Castro Valley. She passed away a couple years ago, but I know she’d be excited to be here right now.”
In fact, when he was a youngster, it was Tony’s mom Eileen who perhaps ignited his passion for food as they baked together using fresh ingredients from their farm in Fremont. To honor her memory, Slice House Castro Valley will offer a special pizza called The True Italian — every Slice House features a flavor unique to that franchise group. It combines a NY thin crust with pesto, mozzarella, garlic, tomato, romano, oregano and garlic oil, and was one of Eileen’s favorite pizzas at Pyzano’s.
More than a hundred people lined up to welcome Gemignani back. Longtime resident Donna Lee was first in line. “I got here at 7am. Big fan of Pyzano’s. I figured there’d be a lot of interest.” Also in line was Valerie Hetherington, who was holding a copy of Gemignani’s book, The Pizza Bible. “I’m hoping he signs page 134 because it was the first recipe I ever made…Pesto Basil Sauce!”
T-shirts, hats and books were given out to a lucky few, with Gemignani on hand to sign anything and everything. Castro Valley native Michelle Korbas brought some laminated placemats to sign. “I am very excited to see Tony back in town. I have always been such a big fan of Pyzano’s and all he did for the community. He used to host kids birthday parties where he would teach them all how to make their own little pizzas. These placemats are filled with photos that show some of those good times.”
“It’s full circle, it really is. The kids I gave dough to and made pizzas with when they were seven and eight, seeing them now so much taller and older.”
Tony Gemignani
“It’s full circle, it really is,” said Gemignani with a smile. “The kids I gave dough to and made pizzas with when they were seven and eight, seeing them now so much taller and older. And seeing their kids. It’s special.”
Slice House Castro Valley will be the 15th location of the highly successful fast-casual pizza franchise, which began as a small storefront in North Beach, located right next to Tony’s Pizza Napoletana (recently named 6th Best Pizzeria in the World 2024 by 50 Top Pizza). If people didn’t want a sit-down meal they can take it to go, enjoying the same fresh doughy goodness at a more affordable price.
Franchise co-owner and operator Ahsan Ali was on hand at the Castro Valley opening, greeting guests with a big smile. “I’m so excited, this has been a long time coming. While Tony has such a significant following and fanbase across the nation, his history and connection to our wonderful, lively town is unmatched. It is an honor to be working with him…” Ali and partner Ranjan Bhasin have signed a deal to open 16 new Slice House locations, which will include Milpitas, Santa Clara and Sacramento.
Ali and his franchise team seemed to have everything under control, with help from a work crew of about 30. “It’s all hands on deck,” said Slice House employee Catie Amaral. She remembers eating the True Italian at Pyzano’s because it was one of the few vegetarian options. Now she helps serve the exact same pizza.
The new Slice House Castro Valley is located within Castro Valley Marketplace, the artisanal food hall on Castro Valley Boulevard. On the menu are New York, Sicilian, Grandma and Detroit style pizzas with gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options, as well as fresh pastas, wings and salads. It offers takeout, online ordering and delivery.
Slice House Castro Valley
Open seven days a week
Sunday – Wednesday: 11am – 9pm
Thursday – Saturday: 11am – 10pm
3295 Castro Valley Blvd., Castro Valley
510.606.4740
