Who doesn’t love a good slice of pizza? Even better is pizza that feeds more than just your appetite. If you’re looking for flavor with meaning, Slim & Husky’s Pizza is serving exactly that.
Founded in 2017 by Tennessee State University graduates EJ Reed, Clint Gray, and Derrick Moore, Slim & Husky’s is not your average pizza shop. The three longtime friends launched the concept in a Nashville garage, exploring how to fuse artisan pizza with hip-hop culture, storytelling, and a mission that goes far beyond food. Even the name carries a personal touch. A nod to their childhood dynamic, it comes from a joke among the friends who recall that one friend was always slim while the other two were slightly bigger, forcing their mothers to go to the children’s “husky” section to shop for clothes that fit.
At its core, Slim & Husky’s reimagines what pizza can be. Their menu highlights fresh ingredients, creative flavor combinations, and an optional build-your-own approach that gives customers full control over what ends up on their plate. From the freshly made dough to house-made pizza sauces, it’s a modern take on comfort food that balances indulgence with intentionality. Beyond pizza, their menu also features gourmet cinnamon rolls, salads, cheese bread and other sides.
But what truly sets Slim & Husky’s apart isn’t just the food but the experience. Once you step inside, you’re immediately immersed in an atmosphere inspired by hip-hop culture. The music, the vibrant murals and artwork on the walls, and even the pizza names pay homage to the culture that shaped the founders’ lives. From the Big Poppa Pizza to the California Love and Nothin But A “V” Thang” Pizzas, Slim & Husky’s doesn’t miss with the details. Everything is intentional, creating a space for nostalgia.
“We wanted to bring with our restaurant concept a recognition of how we grew up, so you’ll hear soundtracks like Mary J, WU Tang Clan, and see black films and shows like the Fresh Prince of Bel Air as a constant presence on our screens.” - Clint Gray, Essence
Slim & Husky’s is all about community as well, and this has been evident since day one. In 2017, their first year of being open, they fed over 1,200 students in their surrounding areas. They also focus on offering employment opportunities and accessible dining experiences, while spending their time hosting community events and participating in speaking engagements at local schools, nonprofits, small businesses, and organizations. They also prioritize using locally sourced ingredients and local craft brews.
This isn’t just a pizza shop. It’s proof that when purpose meets passion, you can build something that feeds people in more ways than one. Today, Slim & Husky’s exists in multiple locations across Tennessee, Mississippi and Georgia and also offers catering services, as well as delivery through third party vendors.
