Slidders Pizza was founded on the idea of building a pizza company unlike any other.
At XLT Ovens, we are proud to feature the incredible story of our customer, Slidders Pizza, a local pizzeria in Orlando, Florida, where tradition meets innovation, and every slice tells a story.
A Vision for Pizza Perfection
More than 20 years into his engineering career, Richard Gonzalez embarked on a new journey to create a pizzeria like no other. Moving from Massachusetts to Florida in 2004, he surveyed local pizza lovers to uncover what makes the perfect pizza. His findings revealed a fascinating divide: 33% valued the sauce most, 33% chose the crust, and 33% picked the cheese as the defining element. What all agreed on, however, was the lack of a pizza place that excelled in all three areas while remaining affordable.
Determined to meet this challenge, Gonzalez threw away the rule book. With the support of his family and a passion for culinary excellence, he aimed to craft the ultimate pizza experience.
Crafting the Perfect Slice
Slidders Pizza isn’t your average pizzeria. Every element is thoughtfully crafted:
- The Cheese: Gonzalez developed a unique cheese blend, unlike anything commonly found in the pizza world, to provide a rich, balanced flavor.
- The Sauce: Starting from scratch, Slidders’ pizza sauce includes a mix of 16 spices, creating a distinct flavor that has become a hallmark of their pizzas.
- The Crust: Crisp on the outside, yet fluffy on the inside, the crust is perfected with careful dough preparation techniques, giving it a golden, satisfying texture.
A Legacy of Quality and Community
Now, more than a decade in operation, Slidders Pizza is thriving in Orlando’s vibrant food scene. Richard Gonzalez’s journey from engineer to pizzeria owner is a testament to what’s possible with passion, perseverance, and the right tools. At XLT Ovens, we’re thrilled to support Slidders Pizza’s mission to provide great pizza for everyone, treating each customer as a part of the family.
