Calvin Coolidge was president when Belmont Park opened on July 4, 1925. The New Yorker had just published its first issue, and Hawaii and Alaska weren’t yet states. 62 years later, Pizza Port opened its doors in Solana Beach to the sounds of Madonna, U2, and Bon Jovi.
Most of these iconic institutions are still with us (R.I.P. Silent Cal). But recently, two of them banded together for a San Diego duo worthy of a Richie Sambora riff—Pizza Port is now open at Belmont Park.
Gina Marsaglia, CEO, president, and co-founder of Pizza Port Brewing Company, says the partnership was a perfect fit. Both entities encompass a laid-back San Diego way of life. “What better place to experience that than at a beachfront amusement park?”
Pizza Port opened its first location in Solana Beach in 1987, followed by Carlsbad in 1997, San Clemente in 2003, Ocean Beach in 2010, and Bressi Ranch in 2013. They weren’t looking to keep expanding when the park approached them last year to take over the former Round Table Pizza location. But once they heard their pitch, it was a no-brainer.
“It felt like a great fit for us,” explains Joe Arguello, who’s been with Pizza Port since 2013 and now works as the company’s senior marketing manager. “[Belmont Park] is a fun, kid environment, which is very in line with Pizza Port… opening in Belmont Park just in time for their 100th anniversary is amazing.”
Like Pizza Port’s other satellite outposts at Petco Park and Pechanga Arena, the menu is limited to whole pizzas and slices, Caesar salads, and their famous beer buddies. Of course, it’s not Pizza Port without beer; plenty of cans plus four draft beer handles are also available. Current hours are 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily. So far, the union seems to be working out, and just in time for the centennial celebrations next summer. Marsaglia, for one, is ready. “Cheers to 100 more!”
San Diego Restaurant News & Food Events
Taste of Little Italy Kicks Off June 18-19
Want to visit Italy but don’t have a passport? No problem—the Taste of Little Italy has you covered. From Tuesday, June 18, through Wednesday, June 19, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., foodophiles can pick up a Taste Passport at the Piazza della Famiglia and eat through the neighborhood, picking up samples as they stroll. Or, snag a seat at the Piazza, where live music will accompany the food tour. Tickets for up to 20 samples are now for $55 daily.
Beth’s Bites
The SDSU Aztecs men’s basketball team is back in the Sweet 16, baby! There are plenty of watch parties around town, but you’ll probably find me knocking back a few San Diego State Ales at AleSmith Brewing Co. S-D-S-U, Aztecs FIGHT!
Speaking of sports, it’s also opening day at Petco Park. Is this the Padres year to go all the way? Maybe, but at least we can all count on a post-game free margarita at Margaritaville if they hit a grand slam. (Petco Park ticket stub required.)
After announcing its imminent closure, Coop’s West Texas BBQ says it will remain open Fridays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or until sold out. Way to rally barbecue fans!
