Grace Ward's Story
Edges Pizza is a Leeds-based street food venture founded by Grace Ward and her partner in March 2024.
Inspired by a trip to New York, they identified a gap in the UK market, particularly in Leeds, for authentic New York-style pizza—characterised by its large slices, crispy thin crust, and convenience for on-the-go consumption. Edges Pizza specialises in 19-inch New York-style pizzas, available by the slice or as whole pies. Operating primarily on weekends through markets, pop-ups, and taprooms, Grace balanced this entrepreneurial endeavour with her MSc in Marketing Management with Advertising.
Starting a food business while managing academic commitments posed significant challenges.
Grace reflects, “There were many touch-and-go moments at the start, and we are still in the initial stages of the business, whilst I study a master's, and my partner works a full-time job! However, we are so determined and resilient; we work seven days a week to make our business a success.”
In November 2024, Grace was awarded an Enterprise Scholarship, which enabled her to purchase a vital piece of equipment for the business. She attended the Spark Bootcamp in December to further develop her skills. Grace credits Spark for their support, stating, “Winning an Enterprise Scholarship has allowed me to purchase a vital piece of equipment for my business, and I wouldn't have been able to do that without the support of Spark.”
In April 2025, Edges Pizza began a summer residency every Tuesday and Wednesday at Green Room, a popular venue on Wellington Street in Leeds. Green Room is known for its vibrant atmosphere, featuring a rooftop terrace and a diverse food and drink offering. This residency provides Edges Pizza with increased visibility and access to a broader customer base.
Looking ahead, after being approached by investors and landlords, Edges Pizza are hoping to find the right location to open their very own premises.
“We have been working hard over the last year to build up a following and loyal customer base, and it has resulted in many of them asking where they can find us in our own shop! It feels the right natural progression for us, so we can design our own place, serve at the right times for us, and create a place where people can come and enjoy our pizza.”
Edges Pizza exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit and resilience required to succeed in the competitive street food industry. Through determination, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to quality, Grace and her partner have carved out a niche in the Leeds food scene, bringing a taste of New York to the UK.
