Metro Pizza, a Las Vegas Staple, to Open a Fifth Location in the Valley – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pixabay)
Southwest Las Vegas diners stand to gain a convenient new option for authentic pies as Metro Pizza gears up to open its fifth location at The Bend shopping center this June. The eatery will occupy Suite D150 at 8720 West Sunset Road, anchoring a development positioned between Durango Boulevard and Riley Boulevard. Brand partner Joe Verhoest shared details of the expansion, signaling continued growth for the decades-old chain despite recent challenges.
A Legacy Built on Family and Craftsmanship
Metro Pizza traces its origins to 1980, when cousins John Arena and Sam Facchini launched the business in Las Vegas. Arena, a third-generation pizza maker and World Pizza Champion, drew from a family tradition that began with a New York operation in the 1920s. The duo has remained hands-on, contributing to the chain’s reputation for genuine, New York-style pizza in a city known more for buffets than hearth-baked slices.
Awards underscored their impact early on. In 1986, Metro Pizza earned recognition as National Pizza Operators of the Year. Thirteen years later, in 1999, the chain received Nevada Restaurateurs of the Year honors. These milestones highlighted a commitment to quality that persists today, with dough slow-fermented from premium wheat and sauces crafted from vine-ripened tomatoes.
The Bend Emerges as Southwest Hub
The Bend promises to become one of the area’s premier spots for shopping, entertainment, and meals. Developers positioned it along Sunset Road to serve the expanding southwest corridor, drawing residents from nearby neighborhoods. Metro Pizza’s arrival complements an already diverse lineup of tenants.
Future neighbors include Marafuku Ramen for noodle enthusiasts, Mothership Coffee for caffeine seekers, and The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill for lighter fare. This mix positions The Bend as a one-stop destination, potentially boosting foot traffic for all outlets. Local shoppers and families will find varied options under one roof, enhancing the valley’s dining landscape.
Menu Staples and Unique Offerings
Patrons at the new location can anticipate the full Metro Pizza lineup, starting with classics like the simple cheese pizza. More adventurous choices feature The Gotham, loaded with pepperoni, mushrooms, sausage, green peppers, ground beef, and onions. Each pie emerges from stone hearth ovens, hand-stretched and topped with fresh ingredients, as emphasized on the chain’s site.
Beyond pizzas, the menu extends to appetizers, salads, calzones, and desserts. The brand also caters to home cooks with take-and-bake options and hosts pizza-making classes. These additions broaden appeal, turning meals into experiences for groups or date nights.
- Classic cheese pizza for purists
- The Gotham: A meat-and-veggie powerhouse
- Calzones and salads for variety
- Take-home dough and classes for enthusiasts
Navigating Growth Amid Change
Metro Pizza currently operates four primary locations, including one inside Ellis Island Casino. A fixture near Tropicana Avenue and Maryland Parkway shuttered late last year after 37 years, marking an end to a long chapter. Yet the brand pressed forward, with the fifth site representing resilience in a competitive market.
Founders Arena and Facchini continue to guide operations, ensuring consistency across outposts. Verhoest’s announcement points to strategic focus on underserved areas like the southwest. For stakeholders from staff to suppliers, this move sustains jobs and partnerships built over decades.
As Metro Pizza plants its flag at The Bend, southwest valley families gain a reliable slice of Las Vegas history close to home. The June debut arrives at a time when locals seek familiar flavors amid rapid suburban growth, underscoring the chain’s enduring draw in a evolving culinary scene.
