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New York-style pizza deli launches in Newcastle creating 12 new jobs

Entrepreneur Olly Henderson has launched a New York-style pizza deli in Newcastle City Centre, Mannys New York Pizza Deli, creating 12 new jobs.

Mannys New York Pizza Deli is being established on Ridley Place in Newcastle by Olly Henderson, whose previous ventures have included being co-founder of Capology – the UK’s biggest independent retailer of caps, which has its flagship store in Newcastle – and two technology businesses which operated internationally and counted Manchester United and News International among their clients.

The deli, which is now open on Ridley Place in Newcastle, offers pizza sold by the slice made ‘the proper way’ – prepared and cooked to order using fresh and, where possible, locally-sourced ingredients.

As well as the takeaway side to the business, Mannys will also have a two-storey restaurant which can seat up to 50 people.

Moreover, plans are in place for another two Mannys to be opened on Tyneside within the coming months, and from then the brand is set to be franchised around the UK.

Olly’s previous ventures have included being co-founder of Capology – the UK’s biggest independent retailer of caps, which has its flagship store in Newcastle – and two technology businesses which operated internationally and counted Manchester United and News International among their clients, spoke of his excitement.

Olly said: “In New York, pizza delis are commonplace, and pizza by the slice is eaten by everyone from Wall Street Bankers to your normal man on the street. Over there, pizza tastes so much different and so much better. When you taste it, you think ‘Why can’t pizza at home be this good?’

“At Mannys, we will be replicating that whole New York approach – great tasting pizza, with a wide variety of toppings so it’s made how you want it, served quickly for your convenience and at a great price. If you want lunch on the go, or to sit down with friends, we can cater for everyone’s tastes.

“I have always wanted to be in the restaurant industry, but I also wanted to create something very different to what is readily available over here. I have plans to open another two Mannys in the foreseeable future, and beyond that, I would love to franchise it so we see Mannys all over the country. Our branding is so classic and strong that I am often asked if I am franchising it from elsewhere, so I am confident that will help with the success of the venture.”

The Mannys branding was created by Danny Hughes from Newcastle-based designers Unit 44.

Legal support was provided by the specialist leisure team at Newcastle law firm Sintons. Partner Alok Loomba handled the commercial property, with Head of Licensing Sarah Smith overseeing the licensing of the premises.

Alok Loomba, Partner in the Real Estate department at Sintons, said: “Olly is a very dynamic entrepreneur who is quick to identify a business opportunity. He has previously succeeded in the technology and retail sectors and is now moving into the hospitality industry by bringing a touch of New York to Newcastle.

“Mannys is a great concept with a brilliant brand, and we are very pleased to have been involved in supporting Olly with his latest venture.”