Fresh, 'High End' Pizzeria Lands on Webster

Those in Lincoln Park will soon have the option of dining at a new restaurant that touts its fresh, homemade pizza—oh, and great salads.

Oregon natives Clay Hamilton and Josh Iachelli are teaming up to open Homeslice at 934 W. Webster Ave., which is on the corner of Webster and North Bissell Street in the Sheffield Neighbors community. The building is the former home of Italian eatery, Enoca Piattini.

Construction was still ongoing inside the venue on Wednesday, but owners said they hope to open the doors within about three weeks.

Located directly across from popular bar, State, the inside of Homeslice has a woodsy feel. Stacked logs separate the areas from each other and giant disected trees act as table tops. Copper lighting accents dangle from the ceiling.

"It's got a good vibe," Iachelli said Wednesday, in between fielding phone calls regarding permitting and contractors. "Everyone wants to be able to walk to their pizza place. They need this here."

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The business permit for Homeslice was issued in July 2012, according to the City of Chicago. Planned renovations at that time included demolition on the building's first floor which was estimated to cost around $3,200.

Iachelli says he hopes to offer a "higher-end" pizza option for North Siders who seek meals and sauces that are made fresh, in-house.

Gluten-free and vegetarian options will be part of the menu, which had not yet been released this week. Iachelli also said to expect calzones and unique salads that "aren't just the typical cobb you can get anywhere."

Hamilton has been in Chicago for about a decade and Iachelli moved here seven years ago, he said. Homeslice is an independent venture. The Lincoln Park location will be the first in the U.S.

The restaurateurs are planning a soft opening soon, though a date had not yet been selected on Wednesday.

"When we open the doors fully, we want the food and service to be where it should be," Iachelli said. "We have high hopes that people will really like this."

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