It seems like heresy to us, but to each their own:
Champs Jr. in Greenpoint (620 Manhattan Avenue), which mysteriously closed last month, is re-opening this Monday as an ALL-VEGAN PIZZA BY THE SLICE JOINT in partnership with Philly-based company Blackbird Pizzeria. The micro-Champs will now be a late night mecca of cruelty-free, hot n’ crusty gooey junk known as Screamer’s Pizzeria. Open daily, 11am-midnight.
Pizza traditionalists and meat mongers, it’s safe to say stay far away; this place is going to infuriate you.
The partner company, Blackbird Pizzeria, is a popular vegan spot for Philly-dwellers who abstain from cheesesteaks. (Yes, they serve vegan cheesesteaks.) FWIW, their linkup with Brooklyn’s Champs Empire isn’t totally out of left field. According to a rep, Champs has been using Blackbird Seitan in its sandwiches for the past few years. So if you’ve tried the Reuben or the Philly Cheesesteak, you know what kind of mock meat you’re in for.
“There’s a pretty noticeable lack of authentic New York style pizza, done vegan and done well, here in NYC,” said Romany Pope, a rep for Champs diner. We can only assume that means Screamer’s will be serving up New York-style pies — large, thin-crusted and sold in wide slices, and most importantly, foldable.