CLEVELAND — A new slice shop with an old school vibe, Geraci's Slice Shop is continuing tradition with a new, "fast casual" concept.
"The vibe is killer," customer Jeremiah Widmer says.
The '80s-inspired restaurant transports you back to the time of big hair bands with wood panel walls, boom boxes, and throwback games.
"I came in here the first time and was just immediately awestruck," downtown resident Maia Totterdale gushed.
"I call this my 'grandma basement vibe,'" laughed Widmer. "We would literally order pizza and play penny poker. It recreates that vibe."
Co-owner Jason Beudert wanted to create the next great slice shop in downtown Cleveland the only way he knew how.
"We love the old school, 1980s-era pizza shop," Beudert said. "We feel we really brought that to downtown Cleveland."
It's a new "old school" take on a Cleveland classic.
"Geraci's has been a legend here for 60 years in Northeast Ohio," Beaudert explained. "When you eat a Geraci's pizza, it is a Cleveland style pizza. It's not too thick, it's not too thin, we are right in the middle."
Geraci's Slice Shop in downtown Cleveland
A new slice of Gercai's history, carried on by third-generation Geraci and co-owner Bucky Spoth.
"Our food and our pizza especially is beloved by many," Spoth told 3News. "We have to live up to the hype."
And they are living up to that hype by keeping to tradition and doing everything the Geraci's way.
Their sauce, dough and cheese is the same you'd have at any Geraci's restaurant, but now in a fast casual setting. The order by the slice style is designed for customers to have a quick and affordable bite while still enjoying the legendary taste that has made Geraci's a household name.
Geraci's offers numerous types of styles, from the classic cheese and pepperoni to the more adventurous "Hot Tito" that pays homage to Guardians manager (and partner in Geraci's) Terry Francona. With its pepperoni and hot honey drizzle, it has quickly become a fan favorite.
Open seven days a week at 11 a.m. to midnight (1 a.m. on the weekends) they also offer late night bites served from a curbside window. Geraci's is located in the 5th street Arcade on Prospect Avenue downtown.