Creative pizzas fuel Urban Field growth
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
The banh mi pizza at Urban Field Pizza. Photo: Mitchell Byars/Axios
Urban Field's founders are experimenting far beyond classic Detroit-style pizza — from banh mi pies to gyro-topped creations — as they expand across northern Colorado and lean into collaborations in Longmont's crowded food scene.
Why it matters: Original pizza concepts are reimagining what a neighborhood slice looks (and tastes) like — and Urban Field is betting creativity and a little friendly competition will help them stand out.
Driving the news: Chef and co-founder Nick Swanson is fresh off the International Pizza Expo last month in Las Vegas.
- He didn't perform as well as he'd hoped, he said, but he treats every competition as a chance to refine his craft.
Dig in: Swanson, a French Culinary Institute graduate, thinks of dough like a canvas.
- That shows up in his Detroit-style pies, including gyro and banh mi pizzas he's entered into competitions.
- Urban Field goes beyond pizza, with a menu that also includes burgers, pastas, salads and craft cocktails.
State of play: Swanson and co-founder Paul Nashak met while working under the Mountain Sun pub and brewery group before opening Urban Field four years ago.
- Since then, they've expanded to Loveland and Windsor, with an eye on more Front Range locations.
- Now that the concept is established, Swanson said he's looking to push further — adding more experimental pies to the menu.
My thought bubble: As someone who loves Detroit-style pizza, I was all in on Swanson's creations, particularly the banh mi variety.
- I also learned I will not be entering any pizza competitions after absolutely destroying my dough.
Zoom out: Urban Field entered a crowded pizza scene on Longmont's Main Street, but instead of competing head-on, they've teamed up with their neighbors.
- Alongside Antonio's Real New York Pizza and Rosalee's Pizzeria, they launched a nonprofit, Pizza With Purpose, that helped feed families during recent cuts to assistance programs.
What we're watching: In September, the three restaurants will host the inaugural Colorado Pizza Festival.
- "It's a way to give back to Longmont and meet our neighbors," Nashak said.