Help us bring The Tomato back...again

My name is Michael Slusarski, and I am the owner of The Tomato Pizza.

In 2007, my parent's restaurant (of the same name) was shut down due to the result of a Houston-based company trying to revamp the area around the University of North Texas. On June 28, 2007, after we had vacated the space, someone decided to light the building on fire.

In January of 2023, I was finally in a place where I was able to begin the reopening process. In May of 2023, we opened our window for the first time at Austin Street Truck Stop just a block off of the downtown Denton square. The instant support was heartwarming and felt like everything worked out the way it was meant to. It was always been my dream to continue my parents' legacy and to add to the incredible community they built over 30 years. We were learning, growing, and adapting to the space, the hours, and the work it took to maintain a food truck.

On December 14, 2023, in the most ironic fashion, an A/C unit caught fire on the roof, which then spread to more parts of the trailer. To say this wasn't how we wanted to end our first 7 months back in business is an understatement. Considering everything, the ultimate silver lining is that no one was injured. Things can be rebuilt and replaced. We have already seen this community come together for us throughout this year and through this closure.

As we navigate through this loss, this business and our community is the reason I wake up in the morning. We've come too far to give up now, and we're determined to reopen. We have, however, lost more than can be recovered. Through this fundraiser, we hope to reopen soon. We appreciate your continued support, and like a Phoenix, we will rise from these ashes better than ever.