What goes better together than pizza and ice cream? Entrepreneur Noam Grossman asked himself this question and has since created spaces all over the city for people to enjoy both.
A new location of Upside Pizza and Softside Ice Cream, both of which were founded by Grossman, is coming soon to the Upper West Side. Upside Pizza currently has four locations in Greenpoint, Midtown East, Nolita and the Garment District. Softside’s two locations are adjacent to the Greenpoint and Nolita locations.
What Now NY connected with Grossman over the phone to learn more.
“I opened the first Upside Pizza location in 2019 and the second location in 2021,” said Grossman. “When I opened the first Upside Pizza, I realized there was only so much room needed for that operation. I had some leftover space that I wanted to do something with. Our Spring Street store is where Softside Ice Cream was born.”
West Side Rag reports that what will soon be Upside and Softside was once a pop-up market, Uptown Artisanal, as well as a clothing and jewelry store.
“This location on the Upper West Side has been a long time coming,” said Grossman. “In fact, right now I am looking at an additional location lower down on the Upper West Side. Being in this neighborhood is a huge draw at the moment. It’s near campus, near hospital complexes, and the perfect place to catch commuters as well as people in the neighborhood. This location on Broadway really checks every box for us, down to the fact it’s a corner store.”
The additional location Grossman has just signed a lease for is 555 6th Avenue in Chelsea. While the timeline for that location is not yet set, the Broadway location is Grossman’s focus at the moment.
“With this location, I am leaning into the brand color more than I have ever before,” said Grossman. “The wood tines are darkening, and the overall design feels like it is maturing a bit. The actual pizza counter is like a wide horseshoe shape that’s completely open. On one side you will progress through the line and on the other there will be bar seating overlooking an open kitchen. There will also be a speakeasy-esque bar in the back as well.”
Grossman shared that he is aiming for a September 1 opening.
