This article was inspired by content originally published on The Infatuation (“Mama’s Too West Village”)
In a city overflowing with pizza legends, Mama’s Too has carved out its own niche—especially with its iconic square slices. From the Upper West Side to the bustling West Village, this pizzeria’s distinct style and bold flavors are resonating across New York and beyond.
🍕 Enthusiasts: Savor the Square
Square—and delicious—is the name of the game at Mama’s Too.
- Pepperoni Square: Thick-cut, bubbly-edged pepperoni swimming in spicy oil—an indulgence that’s repeatedly called “worth the grease stain”
- White Squares: Notably, the cacio e pepe variant delivers a creamy explosion of pecorino and cracked pepper—elevating classic Italian flavors.
- Experimental Flavors: With poached pear and funghi slices, this is pizza that spans savory to sweet in one bite.
Pizza Pro Tip: Want to recreate this at home? Bake on a perforated steel in a 550 °F oven. Slice into squares and finish with fresh-grated pecorino and black pepper right out of the oven.
Affiliate Tools:
- A durable perforated pizza steel for crisping corners.
- A bench-scale for consistent square portioning.
📦 Suppliers: Tools & Trends Worth Noticing
Mama’s Too’s rise spotlights demand for specialized pizza equipment and ingredients:
- Large square pans and perforated steels for even baking.
- High-heat ovens capable of crisping cheese edge-to-edge.
- Quality cheese blends and toppings suited for both white and red-square styles.
Affiliate Suggestion: Offer a “Square Slice Kit” including pans, peel, and signature cheese blends aimed at home cooks chasing that pro fold-and-serve moment.
🏪 Shop Owners: Scale the Square Strategy
Mama’s Too thrives by combining nostalgia with innovation—namely through its house squares.
Strategic Takeaways:
- Uniformity: Pre-portioned squares improve bake consistency and speed service.
- Creative rotation: Regularly introduce new square flavors (e.g., seasonal mushrooms or dessert fruit slices) to encourage repeat visits.
- Local storytelling: Embrace hyper-local themes—like pears or cacio e pepe—to stand out in the neighborhood.
A POS system like Toast can track which square variant sells best and when—helping align staffing, inventory, and promotions for maximum impact.
🗣️ Hypothetical Expert Insight
Pizza consultant Gina DiMicco says:
“Squares are more than a shape—they’re a brand statement. They serve versatile eating, easier shareability, and creative topping layers. That’s a trifecta for any pizzeria.”
🌐 Trend Alert: Squares Are the New Slice
Square pizza has a revival underway—from Detroit-style deep pans to Grandma thin-crust bars. Mama’s Too nails the formula: build a panel of loyal fans with a consistent product, then keep them engaged through flavor experimentation.
✅ Final Slice: Why Squares Matter
- For enthusiasts: It’s a more shareable, dippable format that invites tasting and topping exploration.
- For suppliers: Stock square pans, perforated steels, and baking tools that home pizzamakers and shop owners crave.
- For shops: Adopt square formats to speed service, enable modular flavors, and promote shareable dining.
In a world of round-the-clock pizza options, squares are stepping into the spotlight. Mama’s Too isn’t just tapping into this trend—it’s championing it, serving slices that speak to form, function, and flavor.
Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, meaning Pizza Magazine may earn a commission if you purchase. We only recommend tools that elevate across home kitchens and professional pizzerias.