Gigi's Pizza expands to Stokes Croft with six-month residency at Super Nature

Gigi's Pizza, the independent pizzeria located in Old Market, has opened a second kitchen in Stokes Croft. The expansion marks the first time the brand has operated outside its original neighborhood. The new site is a six-month residency at Super Nature, a music cafe and record shop that opened in October.

The move allows the founders, Rapha and Alberto, to test a menu that extends beyond their signature pizzas. Rapha stated that the opportunity enables the team to cook a wider range of dishes. The new menu includes chicken parmigiana, large bowls of pasta, and Caesar salads. The pizza served at Super Nature differs from the Old Market location, featuring a thinner, charred, and crispy style.

Gigi's opened in November 2024. Since then, the business has grown by securing additional space along Old Market Street. Rapha noted that the demand has been relentless since the first day. He described the growth as a slow process driven by taking on more physical space rather than rapid expansion. The founders expressed surprise at the level of support from the local community.

Rapha told BristolLive that the team had high hopes when they launched the business, but the response exceeded their expectations. He said the support from Bristol residents has been a major factor in their success. The founders also highlighted their collaborations with local musicians, charities, and other businesses. Rapha emphasized that these partnerships are as important to the brand as the food they serve.

Despite the expansion, Rapha acknowledged that the hospitality industry faces challenges. He described the current market conditions as difficult but maintained that the work remains enjoyable. He credited the team for keeping the business running smoothly. His advice to diners is to support independent restaurants and reduce reliance on delivery apps. He referred to delivery services as taking a heavy toll on local businesses.

The founders have no immediate plans to open a permanent third location. Rapha stated that they are not interested in growing solely for the sake of size. The focus remains on creating spaces where customers spend time and on maintaining high standards of food. The team is currently developing ideas for events and collaborations for both the Old Market and Super Nature sites.

The residency at Super Nature represents a shift in how Gigi's operates. It moves the brand into a different type of venue, specifically a music bar. This allows the kitchen to serve a crowd that may differ from the typical pizzeria customer. The six-month period will determine the long-term viability of this new format. The team will use this time to refine the menu and gauge customer response.

Gigi's remains an independent business in East Bristol. The founders expressed pride in their status as a local enterprise. They thanked customers and staff for their continued support. The team aims to remain a positive part of the Bristol dining scene. The next phase of their development will depend on the feedback received during the residency period.