The famed Black-owned hip-hop-inspired gourmet pizza chain Slim + Husky’s is ranked #5 in The Daily Meal’s “101 Best Pizzas in America.”

The three remarkable owners dish out innovative pizza creations to underserved communities.

These best friends share the mission to empower communities while using pizza as their vehicle to engage, offering quality food, employment opportunities, and community events as Slim + Husky’s expand across the nation.

The three Tennessee State University grads and football players Clint Gray–CMO, Derrick Moore-Chief Development Officer, & EJ Reed–CEO, started Slim + Husky’s to serve unique pies and provide jobs to their neighborhood in North Nashville.

Now, they have expanded locations across the country and offer build-your-own pizzas, take-out options, catering services, and national delivery. This includes opening the first Black-owned restaurant to open on Broadway in Nashville.

Their motto, “Pizza. Art. Music” sums up their founding beliefs to create change

and opportunities within underserved communities, while embracing the music culture. Crowds flock to their Tennessee, Atlanta, and Sacramento locations (with additional locations opening throughout 2023) to indulge in artisan pizza while vibing to Hip Hop and R&B classics.

Their famed pizzas are also overnighted nationally to a cult following. The owners consider their biggest accomplishments opening the flagship Slim & Husky’s restaurant in their North Nashville neighborhood, the ability to provide a substantial number of jobs, and the ability to live out their dream while providing a real impact on their community

When they aren’t perfecting their product, Clint, Derrick & EJ are hosting community events and participating in speaking engagements at local schools, nonprofits, small

businesses, and organizations. From hosting events to support local artists to honoring area teachers, they strive to recognize and promote positivity wherever they go.