Our Pizza Journey
From humble beginnings to becoming Philadelphia's favorite wood-fired pizza destination. Discover the passion, craftsmanship, and tradition behind every slice we serve.
The Glass Nickel Story
Glass Nickel Pizza began as a dream shared by two childhood friends who believed that pizza could be more than just fast food - it could be an art form. Founded in 2015 in the heart of Philadelphia, our restaurant was built around a single, authentic wood-fired brick oven imported from Italy.
What started as a small neighborhood pizzeria has grown into a beloved local institution, known for our commitment to traditional techniques, premium ingredients sourced from local farms, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes every customer feel like family.
Today, we continue to honor our founders' vision by crafting each pizza with the same passion and attention to detail that defined our very first day of service.
Our Mission & Values
The principles that guide everything we do
Our Mission
To create exceptional wood-fired pizza experiences that bring communities together, using traditional techniques, premium ingredients, and genuine hospitality to craft memorable moments for every guest who walks through our doors.
Authentic Craftsmanship
Every pizza is hand-crafted using traditional wood-firing techniques that have been perfected over generations, ensuring exceptional flavor and texture in every bite.
Premium Ingredients
We source the finest local and imported ingredients, from organic vegetables grown by regional farmers to authentic Italian tomatoes and artisanal cheeses.
Community First
We believe in building lasting relationships with our customers, supporting local businesses, and contributing to the vibrant culture that makes Philadelphia special.
Meet Our Team
The passionate individuals behind every perfect pizza
Marco Rodriguez
Executive Chef
With over 15 years of experience in Italian cuisine, Marco brings authentic techniques and innovative flavors to our wood-fired creations. Trained in Naples, he ensures every pizza meets the highest standards of quality and taste.
Sarah Chen
Restaurant Manager
Sarah's dedication to exceptional customer service and operational excellence has been instrumental in creating the warm, welcoming atmosphere that our guests love. She ensures every visit is memorable and enjoyable.
Antonio Silva
Pizza Master
Antonio's expertise in dough preparation and wood-fire oven management creates the perfect foundation for our signature pizzas. His attention to detail ensures consistent quality and exceptional flavor in every slice.
Lisa Thompson
Wine Curator
Lisa's expertise in wine pairing elevates the dining experience by selecting the perfect beverages to complement our wood-fired pizzas. Her knowledge of Italian and local wines enhances every meal.
Our Journey Through Time
Milestones that shaped Glass Nickel Pizza
2015 - The Beginning
Glass Nickel Pizza opens its doors with a single wood-fired oven and a dream to serve authentic, artisanal pizza to the Philadelphia community. Our founders invest in traditional Italian equipment and techniques.
2017 - Local Recognition
Named "Best New Restaurant" by Philadelphia Magazine. We establish partnerships with local farms and begin sourcing 80% of our ingredients from regional suppliers, reinforcing our commitment to community and quality.
2019 - Expansion & Innovation
We expand our dining space to accommodate growing demand and introduce our craft cocktail program. Our wine selection grows to include over 50 carefully curated bottles from Italy and local vineyards.
2021 - Community Support
During challenging times, we launch our community support program, providing free meals to healthcare workers and establishing delivery services to continue serving our loyal customers safely.
2024 - Sustainability Initiative
We implement comprehensive sustainability practices, including solar panels, waste reduction programs, and partnerships with organic farms. Glass Nickel becomes Philadelphia's first carbon-neutral pizza restaurant.
2025 - Looking Forward
As we approach our 10th anniversary, we continue innovating while staying true to our roots. Plans include expanding our catering services and launching pizza-making classes for the community.
Experience Our Story
Ready to taste the passion and tradition that goes into every pizza? Visit us today and become part of the Glass Nickel family.