‘Proteins, Probiotics and Prebiotics,’ Oh My! Naked Pizza in NYC
By Laura Kusisto March 29, 2011 9:03 pm
reprints
Naked Pizza is opening two locations in New York City, but it turns out that was merely a striptease.
The New Orleans-based makers of half-calorie pizza (with, of course, all the taste) recently leased spaces in midtown east, at 954 Third Avenue, and near Union Square, at 150 East 14th Street. Now the company plans to open two more locations this year, The Observer has learned.
The pizzamakers for the weight-conscious are close to signing a third lease in Tribeca for around 1,000 square feet, which could open in time for bikini season. Meanwhile, they’ve also been scouting spots in the recently Danny Meyer-annointed Upper East Side—one possibility on 84th Street, just a couple of blocks away from the Shake Shack at 86th Street near Third Avenue. “We’re going to stay away from Second Avenue for now,” said Mitchell Krupp, of parent company JKB Hospitality, in a delightful Southern drawl.
The restaurants are largely takeout spots, with an “Apple-esque” feel, Mr. Krupp said, where customers can check out iPads with more information about the chain while they wait. “It’s really good pizza,” said Mr. Krupp, with “half the calories, half the carbs,” not to mention “proteins, probiotics and prebiotics.” Sounds delicious.
Newmark Knight Frank‘s Jason Pruger is repping the company, which plans 40 locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island and Westchester. But aren’t they nervous about taking on the home of the original Big Slice? Replied Mr. Krupp, with just a dash of New York cynicism: “When I saw how much business a Domino’s could do in New York…”
lkusisto@observer.com
