Phoenix's downtown late-night food scene bid farewell to a decade-old staple when Grand Avenue Pizza Co. closed its doors for the final time, leaving a void in the city's arts district. Phoenix New Times reported that the owner, Carson Wheeler, made the tough decision to close the pizzeria to prioritize a new chapter in his life, fatherhood. Wheeler expressed his thanks to customers for "10 great years full of love and pizza" and garnered supportive messages from his loyal customer base on social media, rooting for his success as a dad.

Taking over the former location, SnapBack Pizzeria and its founder Ryan Moreno, also known as the Hungry Homie, stepped up to fill the late-night hunger gap. Moreno's rise from operating a mobile pizza business during the pandemic to taking over the iconic spot has been a culinary journey praised by fans and critics alike. According to Phoenix New Times, his commitment to preserving the magic of the location echoes through his words: "I do not want to see this place go away and get turned into some garbage gentrified condos like the rest of my downtown space has, I want to keep the magic that’s always been at this spot, that will stay at this spot."

While Grand Avenue Pizza was known for its innovative pizza offerings, SnapBack aims to maintain a beloved pizza tradition while incorporating its signature flair. The menu includes tempting options like the Casey Jones and the Julian, SnapBack's signature pizza featuring ricotta, Italian sausage, and caramelized onions. Although the attempt at a Detroit-style pie didn't make it onto the final menu, the team led by Moreno has endeavored to meet high expectations and, according to Christopher Benitez, director of operations, they are "killing it so far!" inviting all former Grand Avenue Pizza patrons to try their handcrafted slices.

Amid well wishes and nostalgia, the transition from Grand Avenue Pizza to SnapBack Pizzeria signifies not just the end of an era but the continuance of a culture deeply rooted in downtown Phoenix’s nightlife. Buzzed and hungry late-night wanderers can still satisfy their cravings at SnapBack Pizzeria, eager to fill the large shoes left behind by its predecessor, and ready to create its legacy with New York-style pizzas made with Neapolitan ingredients, as shared by Benitez.