Shakey's Pizza Opens First North County Location in Oceanside
A portion of the grand opening proceeds to benefit Camp Pendleton's Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“When we began scouting locations for our new restaurant, we wanted a family-friendly area with a high level of community engagement and Oceanside fit the bill – due in no small part to its proximity to Camp Pendleton,” said Shakey’s Pizza CEO, Joe Remsa. “As a leader in family fast casual dining, we wanted to give something back to those brave family members who risk their lives daily to protect our freedom,“ added Remsa.
In addition, the Oceanside restaurant plans to extend special discounts to area military families and work with Camp officials to develop other programs that benefit the local armed services population. While it’s been 30 years since Shakey’s reached its peak in popularity, the legendary American brand is making a comeback. Undergoing a system wide makeover – complete with fresh new menu items, remodeled restaurants and expansion into new markets such as Oceanside – Shakey’s once again is the gathering place for family, food and fun.
“People are definitely coming back to Shakey’s,” observed Remsa. “In a time of economic uncertainty, they’re seeking the comfort of the tried and true. Shakey’s brings families back to the table for mealtime, sharing good food and good times in a relaxed setting that’s affordable,” Remsa noted.
The Oceanside location will embrace Shakey’s long-standing multi-generational appeal by featuring arcade games, big screen TV’s and kitschy memorabilia. As a destination for family reunions, parties and team get-togethers, Shakey’s Oceanside will offer classic menu favorites including its original thin crust pizza, crispy fried chicken and famous Mojo® potatoes along with exciting new gourmet pizzas such as Texas BBQ Chicken, Rustic Garlic Chicken, a light and fresh Margherita variety and The Firehouse, a meat-lover’s pizza with an extra kick.
Shakey’s Oceanside is one of six new stores opening in Southern California since Remsa took the Shakey’s helm in January 2008. Under Remsa’s lead, the chain has experienced a new era of growth and brand confidence. In 2008, sales jumped seven percent system wide and a whopping 11 percent among corporate stores.
About Shakey's Pizza
Sherwood “Shakey” Johnson opened the first Shakey’s Pizza Parlor® in a remodeled grocery store on 57th and J Street in Sacramento, California in 1954. Originally established as “ye public house” for pizza & beer, Johnson indulged his passion for Dixieland jazz and added live ragtime music to mix, featuring banjos and player pianos throughout his rapidly expanding franchise. As the concept caught on, the Shakey’s name became synonymous with The World’s Greatest Pizza® along with light-hearted slogans such as “You’ll have fun at Shakey’s, also pizza,” and “You can feed your face at any old place, but you can warm your heart at Shakey’s.” Since that time, Shakey’s has been a pop-culture staple referenced in countless television shows, films and even by Bob Hope during an Academy Awards broadcast. And its most famous employee, actor Billy Bob Thornton, continues to share his Shakey’s memories in every interview he gives. Shakey’s USA, Inc is headquartered in Alhambra, CA. For more information and locations, visit www.shakeys.com or www.myspace.com/shakeyspizza.About the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund
The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, established May 2004, works closely with the Marine Corps, the Navy, and military hospitals nationwide to identify and assess the needs of military families. Its operating budget relies on the generosity and compassion of its donors.CONTACT: Mia Wasilevich, Big Imagination Group, (310) 204-6100x21, mwasilevich@bigla.com