Ebony Magazine has compiled a list of its 45 favorite Black-owned restaurants in the United States, and Down North Pizza is one of the entries onto the list.
Opening during the pandemic in 2020, Down North Pizza has already made a lot of noise in Philadelphia’s culinary scene, writes Bria Sowell for Ebony.
The pizzeria was founded by Muhammad Abdul-Hadi, who wanted to do something positive for the Strawberry Mansion community. The pizza spot has since helped uplift the community from within.
“Strawberry Mansion has the highest murder rate per capita in Philadelphia County. To bring a business like this within Strawberry Mansion to be a beacon of light, I thought was very important,” Abdul-Hadi said.
Down North Pizza hires formerly incarcerated individuals, offering them a chance to access economic empowerment by building culinary careers. This, in turn, helps reduce recidivism in the community.
Down North Pizza serves Detroit-style pizzas, each named after a hip-hop song, and prides itself on its unique culinary innovation.
Executive chef Michael Carter has introduced toppings like house-made lamb sausage, honey-chipotle drizzle barbecue sauce, and beef bacon. All are toppings not traditionally found on pizza.
“If you find some of my toppings on somebody else’s pizza, guarantee they stole it,” Mike Carter said.
Read more about Down North Pizza in Ebony Magazine.
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