Longmont is quietly becoming a titan of the pizza industry.
This week, the latest pizza joint to make its way to Longmont opened doors. Krave it Pizza and Sandwich Joint is a New York-based shop with just five locations that got its start in 2015. Its first four hubs were all located in-state, before Founder Vishee Mandahar decided to expand. He considered other states like California, but was soon sold on Colorado.
“Colorado stuck out to us. The environment, the people, our food was a hit,” Mandahar said.
Krave It first expanded to Denver, right next to Coors Field, and saw rapid success. In just a few months, Mandahar knew Colorado was a good fit. Soon after, he found Longmont and fell for the city quick.
“We want to be here, we love it out here. I really love this community,” Mandahar said.
However, Mandahar now joins a crowded field of popular pizza shops in Longmont that have already earned a spot close to many locals’ hearts.
Zooming out:
Longmont is quickly becoming a pizza hot spot, particularly within the last several years. Rosalee’s Pizzeria has been a local favorite since its opening in 2014 but newcomers Urban Field (opened in 2022) and Antonio’s (opened in Longmont in 2024) have quickly scored big popularity. Check out some accolades:
2025: Rosalee’s ranked 14th on list of best places to grab a slice in the U.S.
2023: Antonio’s named #1 NY Pizza in Colorado by the Washington Post.
2023: Urban Field places 7th in International Square Pizza Challenge during the International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas.
Wednesday night: The Longmont Brief staff had to wait an hour for a table at Rosalee’s.
Looking ahead:
Another pizza shop will soon be added into the mix. Slice House, located by In-N-Out, will soon have an opening of their own and join the battle for Longmont’s affection.
Then in September, Longmont will host the inaugural Colorado Pizza Festival, an event aiming to further cement the city’s place atop Colorado’s pizza elite.