Profile: Devoured Pizza
Black and queer-owned Devoured Pizza has quickly become one of the most beloved pop-up pies in the city: read on to hear about their next big move!
Photos by Anna Petrow
We sat down with owner and founder of Devoured Pizza, Jhy Coulter, to hear about the process behind her pies, the creativity behind her collaborations, and the road ahead: it involves a food truck!
Devoured has quickly become one of the most beloved pizzas in KC– as the city's first Black and queer owned pizza pop up, what has your journey been like opening up shop?
Honestly, my journey has just fallen into place piece by piece, like this was the plan the universe had for me all along. I initially won a pizza oven on an Instagram contest (I thought the giveaways were scams lol) and had previous experience working in a pizzeria throughout college. I had always wanted to do some sort of concept and work for myself. Being a queer, black woman in the pizza space is something that I hope becomes a norm. It's a male dominated industry, and it's important to highlight women in pizza– women in any role are important. You don't have to be one thing, you can be all things. It's about heart and the love you put into your craft.
Photo by Anna Petrow
You've done some awesome pop-ups in conjunction with other local businesses like Big Mood and Cafe Ca Phe– can you tell us about your collaborative process?
Pop-ups give me this great energy when I surround myself with amazing people. Jackie and Richard are really gems, people I have been wanting to surround myself with forever, it feels like. I wanted to collaborate with Jackie because I really appreciate the level of precision she puts into her business. She has a standard, she's real AF about who she is and goes hard for what she stands for. It's beautiful to me. I really look up to her and I'm always asking her a bunch of stuff because I know she won't BS me. I love working with her because together we always want to create an amazing experience and vibe for people of KC. Richard is fucking amazing. He's so supportive when it comes to new ideas and he really pushed me to keep experimenting outside of pizza and to showcase it. He's the reason I had the guts to role out the Snackums™ menu for the winter. He's a beautiful soul. I love pairing his knowledge of libations with great food. The way he's curated his space at Big Mood transports me outside the city. I feel like I'm in Spain again at a wine shop or cafe. When we work together I feel completely inspired to create an experience people want to come back for. My plan is to always work with people I'm inspired by and those I have a genuine love for because it shows in what you create.
Photo by Anna Petrow
One of the stand-out traits of your pizza (besides the signature pillow crust, which I dream about at all times) are your creative, fresh topping combos– how do you come up with your ideas?
Haha well...I honestly just try different combinations like a scientist. Brit, my life partner, has an incredible palette and will try a lot of my creations and share her honest opinion. This helps a lot with the process of tasting because sometimes I don't pick up on things that she will. I try to highlight flavors that some people may shy away from. Veggies are always the thing most people will say "I don't like those". I don't force the veggies on anyone, and I make the classics available, but if that person is feeling adventurous another day they may find they like the veggie forward pizza, too. I want to create menus that have something for everyone, a menu where people will be receptive to all combinations. Some people will say they don't like tomatoes but they're okay with tomato sauce, so I try to utilize the ingredient by making it in a way the flavor will overpower that belief. All of my ideas are random though.
Congratulations on purchasing your food truck! A huge step for Devoured. What challenges and excitements do you anticipate coming your way?
Thank you! I really appreciate that. I am super excited to expand into a truck because that means I can serve more pizza to KC! We've had our first fundraiser that went very well, however we have a long way to go when it comes to building out the truck and raising more funds to go towards that. I am excited to see how it will look. I know when it comes to having a food truck, there are daily challenges that I will have to adapt to, but I know I will get through it. I've had to learn to enjoy the journey and not to rush it.
How can our readers help Devoured succeed?
We will continue to pop-up around the city serving your favorites. If you could tell your friends and family about us and drag them out to a pop-up to eat some pies and support when we have another fundraiser, it would be most appreciated! We also do private pizza parties for folks that may want to have their own Devoured™ experience. You can also donate to our GoFundMe page, any amount helps as we work towards our goal! Thank you to everyone that has donated so far. We love and appreciate your support!
What is your favorite thing about being part of the food scene in KC?
My favorite thing about being a part of the KC food scene is that the possibilities are endless. I am able to share my food quirkiness and there's so much room for creativity in that. I appreciate being connected with so many foodies in the city. When I was a part of the Design world I felt a disconnect, so I am happy to be apart of a space that welcomes me and Devoured™.
Any advice for readers looking to make the leap with their business and grow?
Just start small. Don't try to do the most. Be yourself and connect with people you enjoy being around. Don't be afraid to ask someone in your craft questions, most of the time they'll be happy to lend you a hand in information. Make sure you're moving forward everyday, even if it's a tiny step. Lastly, don't let others push their fear on you. If you want to do something and have the vision, work towards executing it, don't let people steer you off course of that: if it's important to you, you'll do it! Okay okay last last one, be grateful and always appreciate those that have been there riding with you, don't lose sight of that!
