Houston Tex-Mex Eatery Transforms into Casual Steakhouse

Houston’s culinary scene welcomes a new addition with the opening of Shredders Pizza, a family-oriented eatery set to launch in late January. Located in the Heights at 1777 Airline Drive, the pizzeria focuses on New York-style pizza and aims to deliver quality at an affordable price.

Founders and Collaboration

Shredders Pizza is the brainchild of two seasoned hospitality professionals, Benjy Mason and chef Jason Kerr. The duo previously connected while working at Down House, which laid the foundation for their partnership. Mason, known for his roles in Johnny’s Gold Brick and Winnie’s, seeks to provide a reliable delivery option that caters to families.

Menu Highlights

• Pizza Varieties: Shredders offers classic cheese and pepperoni pizzas, alongside unique house specials like:
• Sausage and Pepa: Italian sausage, green peppers, and pickled tear-drop peppers.
• Jason the Dragon: Hot honey, arugula, and whipped ricotta.
• That’s A Spicy Pepperoni: Calabrian chile sauce and roasted jalapeños.
• Craftsmanship: Each pizza features dough made from King Arthur flour and whole wheat, fermented for up to 36 hours. Baked in a traditional oven, the result is a light, crispy crust.
• Wings and More: The menu also includes wings, salads, garlic knots, and desserts sourced from collaborator Little Kitchen.

Affordability and Community Support

Shredders Pizza strives to make dining accessible for families. The eatery plans to offer about 20 bottles of Italian wine priced between $20 and $25, ensuring that parents can enjoy an affordable drink.

Additionally, the restaurant will support local causes. A portion of the sales from specialty pizzas will benefit the Southern Smoke Foundation, and rotating proceeds will support local PTOs and kids’ arts programs.

A Nostalgic Touch

The name “Shredders” evokes playful 90s nostalgia, appealing to those familiar with elements like shredding cheese or references from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. This connection enriches the brand’s identity while reflecting the casual atmosphere Mason and Kerr aim to cultivate.

With just enough seating for 15, Shredders is designed for busy families and offers easy mobile ordering. Mason emphasizes the importance of a seamless delivery experience, making it a key focus of their service.

At a recent tasting, Mason’s children gave the pizzas a thumbs up, marking an encouraging sign for the new venture. Shredders Pizza promises to be a family-friendly haven in Houston’s Heights, prioritizing quality, taste, and community.