Black Sheep Pizza Launches on U.S. 41 in East Naples

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, a local artisan pizza joint, just launched on U.S. 41 East in East Naples. Chef Michael Voorhis, formerly of Lake Park Diner and The Bevy in Naples, has joined forces with Calvin Joiner, owner of Red’s Pizzeria and Red’s Pizza on Wheels in East Naples.

“It’s an over-the-top, fun experience. We just want this to be a fun place,” Voorhis said. Their new pizzeria is in the former space of I Burnt Mine Barbecue and Empire Bagel Factory in the Sherwin-Williams plaza across from Naples Towne Centre South.

Black Sheep’s name has nothing to do with mutton on pizza; rather it’s letting you know they are here to stand out, not fit in. “We just kind of wanted to say it’s OK to be different. If you’re unique, it’s a good thing,” Voorhis said.

Black Sheep shows off its uniqueness with buttermilk fried chicken or Kobe smash burgers towering atop the center of pizzas, just a sampling of 10 craft pies. “Small Bites” include a ramekin of French onion mac-n-cheese, a lineup of candied bacon bruschetta or kung pao meatballs with kimchi stir-fried rice in an Asian takeout box. Adult Lunchables, basically a fun spin on a charcuterie board, fill little metal lunchboxes with a variety of meats, cheeses and crostini. Other casual menu items include salads and sandwiches, while the drink menu offers more than 15 different kinds of beer, a variety of wine and eight flavors of Stubborn Soda on tap.

“We believe that the people will enjoy our modern twist and family-friendly environment,” Joiner said. “We want to surprise them with creative and delicious pizzas, everything made from scratch with high- quality ingredients.”

Black Sheep Pizza, 3802 Tamiami Trail E., is open noon to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and closed Sundays. In addition to its 30-seat dine-in space, takeout is available and delivery is coming soon. For more information call 239-919-3287 or go to blacksheeppizzanaples.com.