Since it opened in April, Sexy Pizza has gotten plenty of people seriously aroused. But it’s not easy to find satisfaction: The sign at 1018 East 11th Avenue still reads Pizza Vera, which was the name of the business that was there when Cayvan Khalatbari bought the place.
“Well, I was an engineer and had a few friends who worked at Park Tavern around here,” he explains. “We heard the owner was trying to sell the place and the timing was right, the idea just presented itself….I quit my job, so now it’s me working, a few of my friends and then a few more with monetary backing.”
That backing will help with the upgrade Khalatbari has planned to replace the cracked counter, rusted-out pizza oven and general run-down appearance. But in order to do the work, he’ll have to put off Sexy Pizza on October 27 and 28, and November 3 and 4, too.. “We will be closing this coming Monday and Tuesday, and the following as well,” he says. “We are putting in a granite countertop, new tables, new floors, a flat-panel TV and possibly something outside. We also are putting in a Baker’s Pride pizza oven.”
And will that something outside actually be a sign that proclaims the place is Sexy Pizza? And why Sexy, anyway?
“Just for shits and giggles,” Khalatbari says, then directs me to a friend manning the oven, who confirms that the funny, slightly ironic name just seemed to fit the place.
Works for me, because the pizza at this place is awesome. The dough and everything else is made from scratch, and you can get two New York-style slices, loaded with toppings, and a drink for just $5. Sexy Pizza also sells salads, wings, pasta, calzones, subs, desserts and more. Except for those remodeling renovation days, the pizza joint is open from 11 a.m.-midnight Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday; it also delivers to the area bounded by First and Twentieth avenues, Colorado and Kalamath.
For more information, go to sexypizzaonline.com or call 303-830-8111. – Tyler Nemkov
