Photo by Ralph Hernandez | The Signal
Illuminated by large windows with an open floor plan and wooden decor, The Spinning Pie, better known as “Spin,” opened its doors in April 2012. The Spinning Pie is a modest-sized restaurant, but its unassuming appearance may mislead visitors.
Cortland Jackson and Mario Johnson co-own the establishment. Nkosane Jackson, the Operations Manager at The Spinning Pie, explains what makes the establishment more than a run of the mill pizza place you’d find on many street blocks.
“We pride ourselves on preparing great food, our vision was to be the best pizzeria in the city,” Jackson said. “We prepare almost everything by hand in order to ensure freshness.”
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Spin uses exclusive products like turkey pepperoni and turkey sausage that aren’t found at other pizzerias. The pizzas, while able to build yourself, have a range of specialties, such as:
Margherita
Buffalo chicken
spinach & feta
greek
BBQ
Food crafted at The Spinning Pie doesn’t stop at just pizza; caprese, bruschetta, lasagnas, spaghetti, chicken parmesan and rolls stuffed with sausage or cheese burger are also options. Specialities include items such as the
“Caribbean Jerk Chicken Pizza” and the “Spin to Turkey.” The “Spin to Turkey” is, in Jackson’s perspective, the most popular.
“It’s our most unique and popular selling item,” Jackson said. “Featuring only turkey such as turkey pepperoni, turkey sausage, and season-ground turkey buried with veggies, it’s a great twist on a supreme pizza and hands down one of our top sellers.”
The Spinning Pie offers great cuisine and relaxation, but also a nightlife with events to look out for. The previous tenant before Spin was a known watering hole. Trendy college students and young professionals would hang out and grab drinks for cheap. Spin makes efforts to accommodate.
Dim the lights
“We have expanded on the ‘Cheers’ mentality, giving our patrons more variety of music, catering to local and independent artists as well as teaming with some of the best DJ’s in the city,” Jackson said.
On most nights of the week there are themes and events, varying from Karaoke nights to live music. Last year, The Spinning Pie teamed up with the A3C Hip Hop festival and sponsored two concerts across the street at “House of Adrene”, featuring acts OG Maco and Money Makin’ Nique.
Listening parties are held from time to time, ranging from small-time acts to big-time acts, such as The Weeknd. Tuesday nights are College Night and are hosted by Courtney Janell. There is a happy hour leading up to it that features NBA 2K15 tournaments starting April 21.
“Our most popular night is Thursdays at Spin,” Jackson said. “It’s one of our busiest days of the week. We have slice and slice/wing specials all day. Once the night starts, we are packed. Hosted by Tyree Smith, it’s one of our best nights.”
Fitting perfectly in Castleberry Hill’s imaginative stomping ground, Spin has hosted art shows in the past and every piece of art hung within the place is available to be bought.
“Our anniversary is coming up so we will be having a special event at the beginning of May, so stay tuned and check our website,” Jackson said.
In a town where it is historic and at the same time, constantly evolving with artistic expression, Spin fits is a modern experience with the staple of pizza.
For students in college, being in an eclectic and creative area are what make our experiences. Above all, the cheaper the experiences, the better.
“The area itself is worth the trip from Georgia State,” Jackson said. “During the day its your typical artsy neighborhood with Art galleries, beauty salons and coffee shops. At night, the area transforms into one of the premier nighttime destinations in Atlanta. Oh and it’s always free to get in!”
