Business Spotlight: SLICE: From Hollywood Sets to Brick Oven Pizza in Midland

For Columbus native Brandon Dunlap, life has always been about following God’s timing — even when the path ahead seemed uncertain.

Earlier this year, Dunlap opened Slice, a brick-oven pizza shop located at 6516 Kitten Lake Drive in Midland — inside the former Lepoma’s building. What began as a hesitant opportunity soon became a thriving community hub for great food, fellowship, and faith.

“I was looking at different business opportunities,” Dunlap recalled. “At one point, I was in talks about opening a Zaxby’s in Atlanta, but during that same time, a pizza shop opportunity came up. I wasn’t sure about it at first — it was the unknown. But when God gives you an opportunity, you take it.”

From Idea to Slice of Success

Since opening in March 2025, Slice has quickly gained a loyal following for its brick-oven-style pizzas, friendly service, and warm, neighborhood feel.

“I’ve always been in the kitchen,” Dunlap said. “Cooking feels natural to me. Once I saw how people responded, I knew this was where I was supposed to be.”

Customer reviews on social media echo that enthusiasm. One diner wrote:

“Don’t walk but run to Slice Columbus! Brick oven style, great food, and customer service that’s 1000/10!”

From Acting to Entrepreneurship

Before becoming a restaurateur, Dunlap made his mark on the film and television industry. His acting credits include appearances on The Walking Dead, Stranger Things, Baby Driver, and several Tyler Perry productions such as The Haves and the Have Nots and If Loving You Is Wrong.

“I took drama in high school, and that’s when the acting bug bit me,” he said. “I didn’t have many opportunities in Columbus back then, but once I learned how to submit for roles online, things started rolling.”

While the entertainment business opened doors, Dunlap said owning Slice gives him something Hollywood never could — direct connection to his community.

“This business lets me connect with people face to face,” he said. “It’s not just about pizza — it’s about community.”

Faith, Flavor, and Family

Dunlap says his journey — from Columbus to Atlanta and back again — has been guided by a simple principle: trust God’s timing.

“Everybody’s path is different,” he said. “Your way might not look like somebody else’s way. But when it’s your time, it’s your time.”

Slice’s menu reflects that same spirit — bold, creative, and rooted in family tradition. Each recipe carries a personal touch, inspired by generations of home cooking and a passion for bringing people together around good food.

Slice
Location: 6516 Kitten Lake Drive, Midland, GA (Former Lepoma’s building)
Owner: Brandon Dunlap
Opened: March 2025
Style: Brick-oven pizza, dine-in and carryout
Website: https://slicecolumbus.com/