Nashville, Tennessee is abundant with rich history and vibrant culture. From the legendary Jefferson Street—which was prevalent for its musical influence during the Chitlin’ Circuit and beyond—to the Broadway Historic District and the presence of three major HBCUs, there’s a little bit of something for everyone to experience the city in diverse ways.
In areas known for their exciting landmarks, businesses can face challenges in striving to make their mark in the right way. However, Slim + Husky’s Pizza Beeria has not only made a splash across the Nashville scene but has also done exceedingly well across various states. The multi-city franchise specializes in customizable gourmet pizza with exceptional service and good vibes. From the community-sourced art adorning the walls of their locations to the menu ranging from hearty pizza pies, wings, cinnamon rolls and even a rotational selection of cold brews, stepping foot into Slim + Husky’s is always a fun experience. But, the heart of the establishment extends far beyond their food offerings.
Founded in 2015, three tight-knit friends took a chance to bet on their bond and embark upon an endeavor that would scale past what they initially intended. Co-founders Clint Gray, Emanuel “EJ” Reed and Derrick Moore started their journey as childhood friends who then went on to attend Tennessee State University (TSU). Later in their collegiate journey, they became members of the Alpha Theta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, which further solidified their ties of brotherhood. It was at this illustrious historically Black institution that the trio grew into their entrepreneurial spirits and worked together to find a pathway that would sustain their love of community and togetherness.
“I get to wake up every day and go to work with my best friends. I get to come into spaces, listen to dope music and try different pizza flavors,” reflected Reed. “I wouldn’t trade it for the world and all of that sparked during our time at Tennessee State University.”
Since their inception, Slim + Husky’s has been a hotspot for those craving either a “Slim” 10-inch or “Husky” 16-inch pizza and enjoyable company with fellow foodies. Many who remember the original location of the popular joint recall lines wrapped around the corner, packed with eager customers ready to chow down in an energetic atmosphere. What Gray, Reed, and Moore have been able to curate speaks to a need for safe spaces to hang and a diversity of entrepreneurial avenues, further showcasing just how far HBCU graduates can excel in the world.
EBONY took a trip to Nashville to check out Slim + Husky’s and witness what these enterprising businessmen have been able to build.
Check out the full video above.