BRADENTON BEACH – Wilder’s Slice of AMI pizzeria is now open at 103 Gulf Dr. N. in the space previously occupied by the Tahini Beach Café.
The new business is co-owned by Ryan Wilder, the owner of the Wilder’s Pizza in downtown Bradenton, and Bradenton Beach businessman Walter Loos. Loos also owns the Island Scoops and Island Donut Company businesses and is the new co-owner of the Island Rider shuttle service.
“We finally got our Slice of AMI,” Wilder said. “We have a downtown location as well, Wilder’s Pizza, and we’ve been there three years.”
Wilder’s Slice of Ami is located across the street from a small, undeveloped, city-owned beachfront park and sits alongside a busy Gulf Drive South sidewalk heavily used by Bradenton Beach visitors. Wilder believes Slice of AMI’s lower prices will also appeal to Island locals.
“We’re trying to offer the best product for a reasonable price out here on the Island. Slices are $3 and every day we have a two-slice special: two slices with a topping and a drink for $8. Two slices with a topping and a beer is $10,” he said.
“We serve slices, small, medium and large pies. We have the best wings around and our Philly steak and cheese is the best on the Island,” he claimed. “We have meatball subs and fresh salads. We offer vegan items, including vegan pizza made with a cauliflower-based crust and vegan cheese. We have some gluten-free pasta dishes as well.”
The menu also includes smashburgers, Parmesan hoagies, fresh subs, gyros, a grouper sandwich, dessert, cappuccino, coffee and more.
“In the next week or so, we’ll start offering brunch Thursday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to noon. We have a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich on homemade focaccia bread and peaches and cream French toast on our homemade Italian bread,” Wilder said.
On non-brunch days, Wilder’s opens at 11 a.m. Wilder’s closes at 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closes at 9 p.m. on Sundays.
As for why he chose Bradenton Beach, Wilder said, “We love it here. We have great beaches and great sunsets and our patio’s right across the street from the beach. We do sunset drink specials: $3 drafts, $5 house wines and $5 wine-based cocktails. We have a Wilder-Rita and Wilder Punch, a bloody Mary and spiked cappuccino.”
He then said, “We are also tied in with Island Rider shuttle service. We’ll come pick you up and we’re also delivering with golf carts and electric bikes; and very soon, we’ll be serving the Drift In, the Sports Lounge and Tommy Knockers too.”
Takeout and delivery orders can be placed online at the Wilder’s Slice of AMI website or by phone at 941-900-1584.
