The $1 cheese slice was a cherished New York tradition for decades, but higher restaurant expenses drove it to near-extinction. Now it’s making a comeback thanks to a partnership between more than 40 pizzerias and Seamless, a third-party delivery service owned by Grubhub.
From today through May 20, New Yorkers can now snag a slice for just four quarters by placing an order for pickup via Seamless.
The full list of participating restaurants can be found here.
For generations, the $1 slice was an affordable, foldable treat for New Yorkers in need of a quick lunch bite to go or a late-night snack. Its demise has been lamented for years.
“The $1 cheese slice is more than just pizza—it’s part of the city’s DNA,” said Grubhub CEO Howard Migdal. “As a company born in NYC, we know what this slice means to people. It’s about culture, convenience and that authentic NYC flavor. Simply put, it’s how New York eats. We’re proud to bring it back and celebrate the food culture that makes this city unlike anywhere else.”
Dozens of pizzerias across all five boroughs are taking part in the promotion. They include 2 Bros. Pizza, Krave Pizza, Ledo Pizza, Luigi’s Pizza, Rocco Pizza, Rizzo’s Pizza, Patrizia’s Taverna and others. Customers are limited to one order per day but can buy up to five $1 cheese slices per order.
“I’ve watched this city change over the years, but nothing beats that look on someone’s face when they fold a hot $1 cheese slice and take that first bite—it never changes,” said a member of the 2 Bros. Pizza management team in a press release. “Teaming up with Seamless gives us a chance to celebrate the $1 cheese slice tradition with our loyal customers—and introduce a whole new generation to what makes New York pizza so special.”
As Forbes reports, the $1 plain cheese slice has “quietly become a barometer for broader economic strain in New York. What used to be a $1 staple is now closer to $3 or $4 in most neighborhoods, and that jump didn’t happen because of better cheese or sourdough crust—it was inflation, rent, labor and supply chain shocks, all stacked up on top of each other.”
Forbes points out that new tariffs on tomatoes imported from Mexico will likely create a “ripple effect” on slice prices and other menu items. “So when a cheese slice goes back to $1—even temporarily—it hits a deeper nerve. It’s not just about price; it’s about predictability. A way to reestablish trust with consumers who’ve spent the last few years watching their grocery bills fluctuate, their cheap meals vanish, and their eating habits evolve out of necessity—not choice.”
