In the entrance to Legacy Park, a local Kennesaw neighborhood, the newly-opened Nina’s Pizza Kitchen brings New York-style pizza and a slight taste of Italian to families in the NC area. Housed alongside other local businesses, the fairly unknown pizza kitchen exceedingly fulfills any Italian craving. Branched off of a Canton location, the business opened the Kennesaw location in the summer of 2023.
After serving seven years in the Army and creating a retail business, Andy Slanina started veteran-owned Nina’s Pizza Kitchen, the prime result of Slanina’s passion for food. Slanina’s motivation stems from the disregarded veteran resumés because of inexperience, and he aims to recognize veterans after the time they spent serving.
Inspired by his grandmother Marie Novak Slanina, he runs his newest pizza business based on the value of sharing with the community. Driven by his loving family and challenging experience in the Army, Slanina focuses on providing equal opportunities, pay and promotion for all workers.
“The ability to provide for others brings me joy. I think of how much better the world would be if the goals of every one were simply decency and kindness. We love giving back; we’re giving it all away,” Slanina said.
Slanina stays busy in the opening of the newest location through visits and fosters a friendly environment with his employees. Treated like family, the staff creates a welcoming and homely environment, insinuating any customer to return.
Each day, the kitchen makes fresh dough and sauce and prepares whole, fresh vegetables. Offering a wide selection of pizza in personal, medium and large sizes, anyone can find a pizza they find appealing. Additionally, Nina’s menu includes strombolis, calzones, sandwiches, and pasta tempting even those who do not enjoy typical pizzas. A dessert menu complementary to the savory foods provides a sweet dessert to relish in after a delicious meal. Nina’s wide array of meal options allows for a similar taste in several forms, even featuring American staples such as wings and french fries.
“I live so close to Nina’s, so it’s the perfect quick meal. The pizza is actually so good and I think more people should definitely know about it. Every time I go in, the people working make me feel so welcomed and I get great food at the same time,” magnet junior Carter Sams said.
Making a debut in New York, the Popular Canton location dish “Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza” hopes to stick a landing in the newest location and become all the rage. Because past businesses located in the building only stayed temporarily, a plethora of the community does not know that the perfect New York-style pizza place hides tucked away off of Jiles Road.
The Chant’s Grade: A+
