What you need to know about the newest L’Industrie location in Little Italy
One of New York’s top pizzerias is now operating in, perhaps, one of the top tourist traps of New York.
That's right, the team behind L'Industrie officially opened a new location on March 19, bringing its expertly thin and fermented pies to Little Italy (197 Grand Street). Marking a third location for the perpetually packed pizzeria, L'Industrie's arrival marks a new generation of Italians to land in the old neighborhood. Haven't made it in yet? Here are five things to know before you go.
The team looked at over 20 different locations before landing in Little Italy
The latest project is a partnership between Massimo Laveglia, Nick Baglivo and former manager turned partner Manuel Jimenez. Jimenez, who has a long-standing affinity for pizza—his first job ever was delivering pizzas in Harlem—joined the L’Industrie team five years ago, moving his way up to general manager before officially becoming a partner.
Following the success of the West Village location that opened in 2023, the team started scouting for a third. But it certainly took a while, as over the course of three years, the team looked at over 20 locations all across the city. And yet the team was patient, with Jimenez remarking, "It was just waiting for the right place, the right moment, [and] the right time.”
The restaurant space on Grand Street marked number 25 in the search, but it proved to be a fit. One, the space previously functioned as a pizzeria, specifically Margherita NYC. That, and the new spot is relatively equidistant between the two, only a 20-minute train ride from the West Village locale and a 30-minutes from Williamsburg, making for easy drop-ins to check quality control. And while the plan wasn’t necessarily to land in Little Italy, Laveglia is well aware of the touristy nature of the area, the trio saw their presence as a way to inject life into the area.
“Longevity-wise, I think bringing a really good quality slice can bring excitement to Little Italy,” says Jimenez. Plus, he admits, “L’Industrie Little Italy has a ring to it.”
It sits right next door to a New York icon
That’s right, L’Industrie is situated right next door to Ferrara Bakery & Cafe, the 134-year-old institution that has fed New Yorkers all the Italian classics: cannoli, lobster tails and a bevy of cookies for the holidays. In fact, you can see the iconic Ferrara gelato cone statue from the window of the new pizzeria (making for ripe for competition as L’Industrie has gelato and sorbet of its own).
Much like the others, don’t expect seats
The new L’Industrie follows the same ethos as the others, as it functions as a stand-up/grab-and-go slice concept rather than a sit-down something. The flow is a simple one: the counter is front and center, flanked by a cold fridge stocked with mille feuille and pistachio tres leche on the left, and a glass partition to the right filled with pastries, bombolini included. A metal counter lines the entire space, making it easy to stand while you eat. And there is even an option to park yourself right in front of the kitchen to watch the chefs toss dough and sauce pies.
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Similar to the other two, sparse decorations include tomato cans and pizza boxes that climb up to the handsome arched brick ceiling. On the walls, you'll find a framed L’Industrie soccer jersey and a few items that play to the neighborhood, including a poster of Rocky Balboa. The new location also houses a huge window that looks out onto Grand Street. With spring now officially in season, the accordion windows have already swung open a few times, making it even easier to look out upon the lines (we know they are coming) with a slice in hand.
The same slices you know and love are here
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. L’Industrie’s full menu of tried and true is here, including their iconic Burrata slice with dollops of the good stuff right on top, the classic pepperoni and the umami and truffle oiled slice, the Tartufo. Wednesdays bring their sandwich of the day, which have so far included their chicken vodka and shrimp Caesar salad. Seasonal cups of gelato and sorbet are also up for grabs, as current flavors include cantaloupe and pistachio, respectively. Will there be specialty items here? It's on the horizon as Jimenez teases that the new location may test a new dessert to come.
The line isn’t bad…yet
Following a weekday visit, it was common to find locals and tourists trickling inside before the opening hours, already trying to order a slice or two. By 12:30pm, service was steady but not overtly busy as customers easily found counter space or took their slices to the streets outside. That, and the kicker: there was no line insight. But even if things get a bit too busy here, as they are destined to be, don’t forget: you can always order a pie to go.
Check out our Instagram below for a full look at the newest locale:
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