Hip New Lunch Spot
South Carolina’s capital city has a hip new lunch spot that’s drawing big crowds, rave reviews – and even drew our elusive founding editor out of hiding, believe it or not.
That’s right, people, Sic Willie was lured from his secret man cave last Friday to check out Zpizza, a popular new restaurant that’s located a half-block away from the S.C. State House on Gervais Street in downtown Columbia.
“Once people try us, they absolutely love us,” owner Albert Chen says. “I haven’t met anyone yet who hasn’t been blown away by how much better our pizzas taste compared to the competition.”
Having sunk our teeth into one of these delicious, fire-baked pies, we wholeheartedly concur.
“Go ahead and put me in the ‘blown away’ category,” Sic said. “Just don’t tell my wife I was eating pizza for lunch!”
Of course that’s “the catch” … these pizzas are all made with healthy ingredients, which means more taste and less grease.
Also, Chen keeps his Zpizza Facebook group up to speed with all the latest wallet-friendly specials and the “Slice of the Day,” because every little bit helps in these lean economic times.
“Albert’s lunch special has replaced my sandwich and chip routine,” said Zpizza regular James Richter, who says he’s eaten at his new favorite restaurant four times in the last week.
Here’s a link with directions to ZPizza … and click here to get email updates on specials …
Pics: Sic, DJ Stubble for FITS
Comments
By Recovering Lobbyist on July 6th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
So the Blogosphere has taken a page from Hollywood? This post reminds me of the movie Wayne’s World parodying actors holding various products. I think this blog needs to be renamed “Will’s World.”
By Statesman on July 6th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
How does it compare to Brix in Lexington?
By acnoles on July 6th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
Another reason to join the zpizza of sc facebook page, we just gave away over $1000 worth of free food last Monday! We only send out emails for special events so if you want daily updates, please join facebook.com/zpizza.gervais. Thanks!
By Not Sayin', Just Sayin' on July 6th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
There food is awesome, and the nutrition information on their website should erase any guilt from indulging in Zpizza’s cuisine (except for the pasta).
This is much better than Brix/The Bistro in Lexington, although there pizza is excellent.
By Skeptic on July 6th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
The real test is whether it’s better than Pizza Man on Rosewood, and based on the photos, I doubt it.
Not to mention, any pizza joint described as “hip,” or hailed by anyone who considers Brix decent pizza, is automatically suspect. No offense, of course. ;)
By b on July 6th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
This “free” advertising obviously came with a catch. I am guessing that either Folks has a financial interest in the restaurant or he is getting something in return. I just hope for Zpizza’s sake that they did not bargain free pizza for sic. That poor restaurant will never get out of the red if they have to feed him every day. TALK ABOUT OVERHEAD!!!!
By Downtown Lawyer on July 6th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
I’ve eaten at Zpizza a handful of time and have been very pleased with the food. Not only is the pizza delicious, but the atmosphere is great – compared to Pizza Man and Village Idiot… which are two places you’d catch a disease at for just using the bathroom to wash your hands.
The only thing that stinks is that parking can sometimes be a pain, but I walk there most of the time and get in and out very quickly.
By Merry on July 6th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
My family just had dinner there for the first time and it is even BETTER than the hype!!
Don’t get all judgemental and defensive, go try it, you WILL love it!
We had the Chicken Sausage, the Curry Chicken and Yam and the “American”. The crust is just right!
By acnoles on July 6th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
We have won best pizza in DC and Phoenix 4 years in a row, were named QSR’s(the pizza industry’s main magazine) #1 pizza franchise 2 quarters in a row, featured on Good Morning America and in Men’s Health Magazine. We also understand that people can’t truly understand how unique our pizza is until they try us, that’s why we have a money back guarantee. I doubt any other restaurant(any type) is willing to make that guarantee.
By James Richter on July 6th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
My buddy Albert makes the best pizza in town! That’s why I eat there so much Ask for the Ranch Chipotle dipping sauce or try out the Pili Pili hot sauce; both are a must when eating there.
By Larry on July 6th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
pretty good stuff.
good beers too.
By Crooner on July 7th, 2009 at 11:04 am
Uh-oh, Will just figured out how to get free food.
By EasilyOdd on July 7th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
A quality pizza place downtown has been needed for a long time. I haven’t been there yet, but I get a bit suspect when I see franchising information and descriptions anywhere like Mellow Mushroom and the like. I’ll give it a try. For the life of me I can’t remember the name, but there was an Italian restaurant on Devine that was in an old gas station near where Bird on a Wire is now. They used to have one of the best pies in Cola. but they franchised and improved the atmosphere and ruined their pizza.
Pizzaman is still one of the better pizza places in Columbia. Hunter Gatherer still makes a decent pizza too.