Tony Pepperoni Pizzeria is now serving up it popular pies in Vista, opening its fourth location in San Diego County and fifth overall.
Owner Joseph Locricchio said Vista customers have already embraced the restaurant and he’s excited about the growth ahead, as more people discover what makes Tony Pepperoni special.
“We are a mom-and-pop family pizzeria,” Locricchio said. “I’m very happy (with how things are going) so far — people are giving lots of compliments.”
The restaurant serves Detroit-style pizza and was named after Locrrichio’s late father. In his early teens, Locrrichio began making pizzas for fun at a neighborhood pizzeria. At just 18, he opened his first pizzeria in Michigan called Pino’s Pizza.
Locricchio took his pizza-making skills to California in the 1980s when he bought several pizzerias under the Hungry Howie’s Pizza franchise.
Years later, he renamed his restaurants Tony Pepperoni Pizzeria, which now has locations in Oceanside, Escondido, Rancho Bernardo and Aliso Viejo, as well as the new spot in Vista.
Each location has live music and monthly events that are announced on social media. Catering, parties, deliveries, pick-up and online orders are also available.
The Vista building at 1860 University Dr. was formerly a Souplantation. The reimagined space now features a 60-seat patio, 30 flat-screen TVs, games and more than 12 beers on tap.
Using his Sicilian grandparent’s recipes, Locricchio’s team — which he calls “the best people, leaders, and employees” — create comfort foods including pizzas, pastas, fresh salads and desserts.
The pizzeria also sponsors The Betty Fund, Locricchio’s nonprofit organization, which provides homes for people 55 and older who are living on the streets.
Learn more about Tony Pepperoni Pizzeria at tonypepperonipizzeria.net and follow @tony.pepperoni.pizzeria on Instagram.
Roxana Becerril is a freelance writer.
