It’s a simple sign outside a simple business: Pizza. There’s no mistaking what’s sold inside.

And because Slice Shop Pizza is in the heart of Footscray, that sign, the neon lettering in the window, and the tiles inside are accented with Western Bulldogs blue, red and white. Beyond that, a marble slab holds a cabinet full of hot slices, and the till sits on a reclaimed butchers block – a nod to the owners’ other business, the meat heavy Burn City Smokers.

Steve Kimonides and Raphael Guthrie were sommeliers at Il Bacaro before striking out together to create Burn City. The pizza shop is a slight departure from the low-and-slow world, but still draws on American influence.

Here, your slice will be large, thin and pliable enough to fold into your mouth. There are seven pizzas and a rocket and balsamic salad on the menu. The truffle oil on the Mushroom will drip down your arm as you stuff it into your mouth. Sweet chunks of roast pepper pair well with Italian sausage on the Pork & Fennel. And if you really want to get cheesy, the New York Cheese comes topped with mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan and taleggio; the latter providing earthy-fruit tang that cuts through the other flavours nicely.

The idea for Slice Shop came after the pair, who both live nearby, saw Footscray’s nightlife get a jolt in the arm from bar openings and felt late-night snacking wasn’t in step. Being directly across from the popular Mr West, you can take your slice over the road on a floral reusable plastic plate, and the team will collect it from the bar later.