Support Local! Pizza Edition.

So I've decided that each week, for one of my blogs, I am going to do a spotlight on supporting local businesses. Each one will have a different theme: restaurants, fitness, fashion, souvenirs, self-care, etc.

Local businesses are one of the many things that make the Chapel Hill-Carrboro area so special, and they need our help. COVID-19 has rocked the small business world, but we as a community can help them not only survive, but thrive.

This week's theme... PIZZZAAAAA!!

Photo credit: nctriangledining.com 2/17/21

Being from up north - the holy land of pizza - I was hesitant to even try North Carolina pizza... But I gotta say, the locals know what they're doing, and you have to check out these places. It's interesting down here how every place makes their pizzas very different. The crust, sauce to cheese ratio, topping options, and the level of crunch are different everywhere you go!

Next time you're craving pizza - so probably after you read this or literally every day because who doesn't love pizza - order a slice, or two, or three, or a whole pie (do people in the south even say that??) from these favorite local restaurants!

Italian Pizzeria III is a family-owned, Chapel Hill favorite that has been serving authentic Italian pizza and specialty dishes since 1980. Brothers Angelo and Vincenzo Marrone have been the backbone of this town-favorite for many years. Check out IP3's fresh-dough pizza, specialties and more on its menu. IP3 is open for customers to dine-in, take-out and delivery.

Photo credit: @girls_who_eat 2/17/21

To me, IP3 pizza tastes like home. Whenever I am missing my big, loving Italian family or need some Jersey back in my life, I get a slice from IP3. Out of all the amazing pizza places in the area, IP3 tastes the most similar to what I would typically eat at home - making it one of my favorite places to eat on Franklin Street.

Be sure to check out Pizzeria Mercato in Carrboro. Its pizzas are carefully crafted and inspired by fresh ingredients from Carrboro Farmers Market across the street. This award-winning pizzeria embraces North Carolina ingredients and hometown love, and is a place you must visit if you're in the area. Check out its delicious menu and order takeout from Mercato to solve your next pizza craving.

Photo credit: @pizzeriamercatonc 2/17/21

In the mood for a slice of pizza bigger than your face? Then Benny Cappella's is the place for you! This Tar Heel loving business serves up 28" pizzas by the slice or whole pies. Its pizza is the perfect late night bite or gameday meal! (be sure to use the biggest car out of your friends to pick up your pie next gameday so that it fits - my friends and I made this rookie mistake my freshman year...)

Photo credit: @bennycappellas 2/17/21

Located on Homestead Rd., Sal's Pizza & Ristorante offers a full menu of Italian specialties including build your own and New York styled pizzas, pasta, chicken, veal and seafood specialty dishes, and a whole lot more Italian goodies. I have never been to Sal's, but damn does it look good. It reminds me of my favorite Italian restaurants at home and from past experiences... I've never had a bad slice of pizza from an Italian guy named Sal.

Photo credit: @salspizzaristorante 2/17/21

Okay, now I'm hungry. Anyone else?

I am still learning my way around Chapel Hill, so PLEASE reach out and let me know your favorite pizzerias! Also, let me know if you have any themes you want me to discuss in next week's blog to support local businesses.

Here is the link to The Barstool Fund, a fund that is supporting local businesses in need of help due to COVID-19 across the nation. Check it out!!