Zalat Pizza, the cult-favorite pizza concept based in Dallas, is expanding to Houston, with its first location opening in Midtown this summer. This will be Zalat’s first location outside of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and will be located at 510 Gray St, Houston, TX 77002. In keeping with Zalat’s typical business model, the Gray Street location will stay open until 4 am on weekends to welcome Houston’s late-night revelers.
Zalat founder/CEO, Khanh Nguyen says, “When we started discussing expansion outside of DFW, Houston was the most obvious choice for us. We think many Houstonians love and appreciate great food that is served without pretense, and that’s exactly who we are. We focus on making amazing high-quality pizzas, but our brand is casual.”
He continues, “I grew up in Houston. I went to Klein Forest and did my undergraduate at the University of Houston, so it’s really exciting for me to bring Zalat Pizza back home.”
Zalat team members are referred to as “Zealots” and a sign with the definition of the word Zealot hangs prominently at every Zalat restaurant. A Zealot is defined as a person who is fanatical and uncompromising in the pursuit of their ideals. The Zealots are fanatical about their pizza quality.
Most everything is made from scratch (even the dough) to fresh sauce with oven-roasted Roma tomatoes and fresh basil. Zalat uses 100% beef pepperoni and the most delicious cheese they can get their hands on. In fact, the concept pays more for cheese than they do in rent every month.
All pizzas are taste-tested for months before they make it onto the menu; and cooked in old school deck ovens to create the perfect balance between crispy and chewy.
Zalat prides itself on having pushed the envelope on traditional pizza designs as well as continuing to be bold and inventive. Nguyen explains, “We are also known for elevating the common pepperoni pizza with our Pepperoni Masterclass – pure pepperoni perfection with 100 percent beef pepperoni, oregano, black pepper and chopped garlic. Beyond the standards, we offer bold and inventive designs such as the Nashville Hot Chicken & Pickles, Pho Shizzle, Elote, Loaded Notato, Pineapple Express, and more. An equally famous and crave-able must have is our trademarked sauce, Srirancha – a combination of Sriracha and ranch dressing to create the perfect mind-blowing pizza dipping sauce.”
