A mission of Calvary Episcopal Church
1615 First St. Indian Rocks Beach, Florida
SLYCE PIZZA BAR AND OUR COMMUNITY
It was only eight short years ago that Indian Rocks Beach (IRB) welcomed a new restaurant, however, it certainly seems as though Slyce Pizza Bar has been here much longer than that. In June 2011, founders Jack Bennett, Suzanne Brown and Ken Gillespie envisioned a different type of pizza environment: pizza (and many other great selections) with quality and style. Add to that a large patio, craft beer, wine and cocktails and you have a complete one-stop food and fun environment. Slyce’s goal was to provide quality food, drinks and service in an upbeat atmosphere, where everyone is made to feel like family. But great food, drink and atmosphere is just the business side of the equation.
Jack, Suzanne and Ken felt strongly that if Slyce was going prosper by their relationship with IRB and surrounding communities, they should also give back to the people who live in those communities. In their early years, Slyce soon began supporting various non-profit groups, not only with food donations but also with monetary support. Here are examples of their strong community support and involvement:
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A few years ago, Slyce offered to support the Beach Community Food Pantry (BCFP) with occasional donations. That soon evolved into monthly donations. On the first Monday of every month Slyce donates 10% of their total sales from that day to BCFP. They are currently the largest single donor to BCFP. Slyce also donates food supplies to BCFP during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
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The Brodey Sitton Foundation also benefits from Slyce’s support. Army Staff Sgt. Matthew Sitton gave his life in Afghanistan in 2012. (The Sitton family is close friends with one of Slyce’s founders.) Matthew left behind his wife and 9-month-old son, Brodey, who needed help in Matthew’s absence. In honor of Matthew, the ‘Sitton Supreme’ pizza was created. Until Brodey is 18, Slyce will donate $2 from the sale of every large ‘Sitton Supreme’ to Brodey’s foundation.
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The Love McKinely Organization works with Johns Hopkins All Children hospital to provide resources to families whose children are undergoing treatment for pediatric cancer, including McKinely. (McKinely’s parents have been long time friends with founder Jack.) The Organization sponsors an annual golf tournament that is attended by over 250 participants and raises $60,000. Slyce donates the food for the pre-golf dinner where both a live and silent auction are held.
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Philip Bryant Melanoma Foundation sponsors a golf tournament and music festival to raise needed funds. This year Slyce will be the main sponsor for the golf tournament.
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Rotary Club of Indian Rocks Beach hold its annual ‘Big Game Raffle’ Grand Prize drawing each December in Slyce’s patio area. Slyce donates the appetizers to the attendees during the 3-hour event.
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Slyce also routinely participates in many events during the year. You will see them at Action 2000’s ‘Oktoberfest’, Calvary’s ‘Winterfest’, IRB Homeowners ‘Taste of IRB’, multiple charity golf tournaments, several school and church functions and numerous others.
In 2017 Slyce opened its second location in Madeira Beach. They feature the same quality menu of the main location as well as live band music, weekly trivia -- all with an incredible view of the intracoastal!
The Beach Community Food Pantry salutes the owners and staff of Slyce for their strong commitment to community involvement and support, especially to our mission of assisting those in our surrounding area who routinely struggle with food insecurity.