What's Happening?
Joey and Jamie Sexton, the owners behind Sexton’s Pizza, are set to open a new thin-crust pizza establishment named Uncle Frico’s. The new restaurant is scheduled to open its doors on August 26 and will be located at 222 W. Lane Ave. in Columbus. While
Sexton’s Pizza is known for its artisanal New York-style pizzas, Uncle Frico’s will specialize in bar pie, an ultra-thin pizza style traditionally served in East Coast taverns. The name 'Uncle Frico’s' is a dual reference: partly to Uncle Rico from 'Napoleon Dynamite' and partly to 'frico,' the crispy, caramelized rim that forms when pizza cheese makes contact with the pan during cooking. The concept for Uncle Frico’s has been in development for several years, with the Sexton brothers having previously offered a version of bar pie at Sexton’s before its removal due to the overwhelming popularity of their regular pizzas, especially after receiving an 8.1 score from Dave Portnoy’s One Bite Pizza Reviews in 2023.
Why It's Important?
The opening of Uncle Frico’s signifies an expansion and diversification within the Columbus culinary scene, particularly in the competitive pizza market. For consumers, it introduces a new style of pizza, bar pie, which offers a distinct alternative to the prevalent New York-style and other pizza varieties. This move by the Sexton brothers, already established with Sexton’s Pizza, demonstrates a strategic business decision to cater to a broader range of palates and potentially capture a new segment of the market. The success of Sexton’s Pizza, boosted by a high-profile review, provides a strong foundation for this new venture, suggesting a high likelihood of initial customer interest. This expansion also contributes to local job creation and further solidifies Columbus's reputation as a growing food destination, attracting both local residents and visitors seeking diverse dining experiences.
What's Next?
Uncle Frico’s is slated to open on August 26, and the immediate focus will be on its launch and initial operations. The Sexton brothers will likely concentrate on establishing the brand, refining the menu, and attracting customers to their new location. Given the existing popularity of Sexton’s Pizza, there will likely be significant anticipation and early patronage for Uncle Frico’s. The success of this new concept could lead to further expansion or the introduction of other specialized food ventures by the Sexton brothers in the future. The Columbus food scene will be watching to see how this new bar pie concept is received and how it impacts the local pizza landscape.
Beyond the Headlines
The decision by the Sexton brothers to launch Uncle Frico’s, focusing on bar pie, reflects a broader trend in the food industry towards niche markets and specialized offerings. This move highlights the importance of culinary innovation and adaptation, even for established businesses. By reintroducing a style of pizza they previously offered but had to discontinue due to demand for their main product, they are demonstrating a commitment to their original culinary vision while strategically expanding their brand. This also speaks to the power of food critics and influencers, such as Dave Portnoy, in shaping consumer preferences and driving business growth. The creation of a distinct identity for Uncle Frico’s, separate from Sexton’s Pizza, allows for brand differentiation and caters to diverse consumer tastes, showcasing a sophisticated approach to restaurant management and market segmentation.
