From Brick-Oven Success to the Open Road: A Conversation with Brandon Dunlap, Owner of Slice

Almost a year ago, the Courier Eco Latino introduced readers to Columbus native Brandon Dunlap, who had just taken a leap of faith by opening Slice, his brick-oven pizza restaurant in Midland. At the time, he spoke about trusting God's timing, leaving behind opportunities in the entertainment industry, and embracing an unexpected career in the restaurant business.

Today, business is thriving, and Dunlap is preparing for his next chapter — taking his signature brick-oven pizzas directly to businesses, special events, and communities throughout the Tri-City area with a fully equipped food truck capable of catering onsite.

We recently sat down with Dunlap to discuss how the past year has changed his business, what he's learned, and what's next for Slice.

Courier: Brandon, it's been almost a year since we last spoke. How has the journey been?

Dunlap: It's honestly been incredible. When we first opened, we hoped people would come in and give us a chance. The community has exceeded every expectation we had. We've built relationships with customers who have become like family. We've learned a lot over the past year, and every day we're still growing.

Courier: When we first interviewed you, you said opening a pizza restaurant wasn't originally in your plans. Looking back, what are your thoughts now?

Dunlap: I smile because now I can clearly see God's plan. At the time, I couldn't understand why this opportunity came along instead of everything else I had been pursuing. But now I know He was positioning me exactly where I needed to be. Sometimes what looks uncertain becomes your greatest blessing.

Courier: What has surprised you most about owning Slice?

Dunlap: The relationships. Of course, I enjoy making great pizza, but I've really enjoyed getting to know people. Families celebrate birthdays here. Friends meet here after work. We've watched customers become regulars. That's something you can't put a price on.

Courier: Your restaurant has developed a strong following. What do you believe keeps customers coming back?

Dunlap: Consistency. We want every customer to have the same experience every single time. Great food is important, but great customer service matters just as much. We treat people the way we'd want to be treated.

Courier: One of the biggest changes is that you're taking Slice on the road. Tell us about the new food truck.

Dunlap: We're excited about it. The food truck gives us the opportunity to bring our brick-oven pizzas directly to people instead of always waiting for them to come to us. Whether it's a business, school, church, festival, neighborhood event, or corporate gathering, we can now provide fresh pizza cooked onsite.

Q: How will the food truck benefit area businesses?

A: Businesses are always looking for ways to appreciate their employees. Instead of everyone leaving the office for lunch, we can come to them. We'll be able to cater employee appreciation events, customer appreciation days, grand openings, company celebrations, and special occasions right there at their location.

Courier: Will the truck serve the same quality pizza customers enjoy inside the restaurant?

Dunlap: Absolutely. That is important to us. We want people to experience the same quality whether they're dining in our restaurant or ordering from the food truck. It's still our signature brick-oven pizza, just served wherever our customers need us.

Courier: Are you limiting the truck to Columbus?

Dunlap: Not at all. We'll be serving the entire Tri-City area—Columbus, Midland, Phenix City, Fort Benning (Fort Moore), Harris County, and surrounding communities. We want to make Slice accessible to everyone.

Courier: You've had success as an actor, appearing in productions like The Walking Dead, Stranger Things, Baby Driver, and several Tyler Perry productions. How different is restaurant ownership from acting?

Dunlap: They're completely different worlds. Acting was exciting, but it often meant waiting for the next opportunity. Owning Slice allows me to create opportunities every day. Instead of entertaining people through a screen, I'm serving them face-to-face. That's rewarding in a different way.

Courier: Your faith has always been central to your story. Has that changed?

Dunlap: Not at all. If anything, it's become even stronger. Running a business has challenges every day. There are decisions to make constantly. I've learned to trust God through all of it. I truly believe that if you're walking in your purpose, He'll provide everything you need.

Courier: What advice would you give someone thinking about starting a business?

Dunlap: Don't let fear keep you from moving forward. There will never be a perfect time. Learn as much as you can, work hard, trust God, and don't be afraid to take that first step. Sometimes your biggest blessing is on the other side of your biggest uncertainty.

Courier: What's next for Slice?

Dunlap: Growth. The food truck is just the beginning. We want more people throughout the region to experience what we're doing. We're excited about catering more events, serving businesses, and continuing to be a place where families and friends gather over great food.

One Last Slice: When Brandon Dunlap first opened Slice, he described it as an act of faith. Nearly a year later, that faith continues to produce results. Now, instead of asking customers to come to him, Dunlap is bringing Slice directly to them.

From office parking lots and manufacturing plants to churches, schools, festivals, family reunions, and community events, the familiar aroma of brick-oven pizza will soon be rolling throughout the Tri-City area.

For Dunlap, the recipe hasn't changed. Trust God. Serve people well. Make great pizza. And never stop growing.