Finding a place that feels like a true community hub can be difficult. You want great food, friendly faces, and an atmosphere that welcomes everyone with open arms. That simple desire is exactly what sparked the creation of PIE.ZAA. We started with a clear mission: to bring people together over massive, unforgettable slices of pizza.
Our journey began in a vibrant mountain town and has now expanded into a bustling metropolis. Along the way, we have kept our focus on quality, simplicity, and creating a warm environment for everyone who walks through our doors. We believe that sharing a meal should be a joyful, unifying experience. That is why we focus on delivering big flavors and big smiles to every single guest.
Whether you are finishing up a long shift at work, spending the weekend exploring the city with your family, or simply craving a delicious late-night snack, we are here for you. We keep our menu simple because we care deeply about doing a few things exceptionally well. Let us share the story of how our local slice shop grew into a beloved movement across North Carolina.
Trading the Operating Room for the Pizza Oven
The story of PIE.ZAA is rooted in a desire for genuine connection and honest work. Our founder, Tyler Kotch, originally built a highly successful career in the medical field. He traveled from coast to coast, turning struggling territories into thriving ones for Johnson & Johnson. He was helping to save lives, but the high-pressure environment left him feeling disconnected from his own passions.
Standing in an operating room one day, Tyler had a profound realization. He wanted a business that was more than just a source of income. He envisioned a welcoming place filled with high energy, real people, and honest work. He decided to walk away from his corporate career to chase a bolder, warmer idea of food and community.
Tyler traded his surgical scrubs for pizza boxes and never looked back. He brought his strong work ethic honed in his hometown of Butler, Pennsylvania to the kitchen. He wanted to create that special moment when someone hands you a huge slice of pizza and everything simply feels right.
Where It All Began: The Asheville Original
When Tyler looked for the perfect place to launch this new venture, Asheville stood out immediately. The city is famous for its creative spirit, strong community ties, and independent nature. It felt like the perfect match for a brand that wanted to do things differently.
From day one, the community embraced our vision. We set up shop at 46 Millard Avenue, right in the vibrant South Slope and Biltmore Avenue corridor. This neighborhood is a wonderful mix of locals, creatives, and service industry professionals. It is a place that truly appreciates authentic, high-quality food. If you are ever searching for the perfect Asheville Pizza, this location is where our entire standard was established.
Finding Our People in the South Slope
The South Slope is famous for its brewery-hopping and lively evening crowds. It is the kind of neighborhood where a fun night out naturally leads to a craving for something delicious and satisfying. We decided to stay open late to serve these wonderful crowds.
Our Asheville location became a proving ground for our recipes and our values. We quickly learned that the local community rewards places that show up with heart and integrity. They did not just accept us; they helped shape us into who we are today. When people talk about Pizza Asheville North Carolina, they often think of those warm, welcoming late nights spent at our original shop.
Bringing Big Energy to the Queen City
After building a strong foundation in the mountains, we realized our welcoming vibe could benefit other communities, too. Charlotte is an ambitious, fast-growing city full of confident people who appreciate quality without pretension. We knew we wanted to bring our massive slices and friendly service to the Queen City.
We opened our doors at 1440 S Tryon Street, right in the heart of South End. This neighborhood is incredibly social, driven, and always on the move. It is packed with professionals during the day and lively groups at night. Expanding to this new city allowed us to introduce our concept of the Best pizza in Charlotte to a whole new group of friends.
Why the South End Vibe Fits Perfectly
Charlotte moves fast, and we designed our service to keep up with that pace while still offering a smile and a warm greeting. The South End community embraces places that feel like a reward after a long day.
We maintain the exact same standards in Charlotte that we do in Asheville. You will find the same foldable, brag-worthy slices and the same fast-casual service that treats you like family. Whether you are grabbing a quick lunch or looking for late-night Pizza Charlotte, our South End team is always ready to welcome you.
What Makes Our Slices Stand Out
We believe that offering fewer options leads to better food. By keeping our menu focused, we can put all our love and attention into the quality of our ingredients. Every slice we serve is a testament to our dedication to the craft.
Here is what you can always expect from a visit to PIE.ZAA:
- Massive Portions: We are famous for our giant 28-inch pies. Our slices are huge, easily foldable, and incredibly satisfying.
- Simple Menu, Maximum Flavor: We do not rely on gimmicks. We use real ingredients to create classic flavors that speak for themselves.
- Late-Night Availability: We know cravings do not stop at 9 PM. We stay open late so you always have a warm place to grab a bite.
- A Welcoming Team: Our crew is the heart of our business. They show up every day ready to serve you with big personalities and big love.
Frequently Asked Questions
We love chatting with our guests and answering your questions. Here are a few things people frequently ask us about our shops and our food.
Do you offer delivery?
Yes, we do! We understand that sometimes you want to enjoy a massive slice from the comfort of your own couch. If you need Pizza Delivery Asheville, you can easily place an order online through our website. We work hard to ensure your food arrives hot, fresh, and just as delicious as it is in the shop.
What are your opening hours?
We are proud to go late! Our hours vary slightly by location and day of the week.
For our Asheville location, we open at 11:00 AM most days (4:00 PM on Mondays) and stay open until 12:00 AM Sunday through Thursday, and until 1:00 AM on Friday and Saturday.
In Charlotte, we open at 11:00 AM (4:00 PM on Mondays) and keep the ovens hot until 1:00 AM Sunday through Thursday, extending to 2:00 AM on Friday and Saturday.
Can I buy a whole pie, or just slices?
You can absolutely buy a whole pie! While our individual slices are legendary for their size, grabbing a full 28-inch pie is a fantastic way to feed a crowd. It is the perfect centerpiece for a party, a family gathering, or a fun night in with friends.
Are you planning to open more locations?
Yes! We are currently looking for passionate franchise operators who share our vision. We want to partner with people who think boldly, show up fully, and want to bring our warm, late-night energy to their own cities. If you are interested, you can find more information about franchise opportunities on our website.
Grab Your Slice of the Movement
Food has a beautiful way of connecting people, and we are so grateful for the community we have built across North Carolina. From our humble beginnings in the mountains to our lively new home in the Queen City, our goal remains the same: to serve fantastic food with a friendly smile.
We invite you to come experience the warmth and energy of PIE.ZAA for yourself. Whether you are a longtime local or a first-time visitor, we cannot wait to hand you a huge slice and welcome you into our family.
Ready to taste what everyone is talking about? Find your nearest location, browse our menu, and order online today. Let’s share a great meal together!
