You're thinking of a restaurant, somewhere you'd like to go for dinner or perhaps a great lunch. The name is on the tip of your tongue. As you try to recall the venue you use phrases like: "That one place where…" or "that place we went to when…" Finally, it hits you. That Pizza Place, one of the city's most beloved family owned and operated restaurants.
Opened in 1978 by husband and wife Mike and Yvette Pfankuch, That Pizza Place has been winning the hearts and appetites of thousands of customers for almost three decades.
"We've always been in Carlsbad since day one," says That Pizza Place manager, Jenny Smart. "That's what I love about this place. I know so many of the people who come in; it's really a family joint."
Smart has been managing the restaurant for the past eight years but has been frequenting the place since she was about 12 months old.
"Mike is my dad, so I've been coming here for quite awhile." When asked if she had any plans to one day take over and continue the tradition of a family-owned business Smart said that was a definite yes.
The restaurant even has that cozy family feel that one comes to expect from a family-owned business. Trophies and plaques adorn the walls along with random street signs and other old-school paraphernalia. Photos of softball, baseball and football teams complete the look. It's no wonder, either, seeing as how That Pizza Place sponsors more than its fair share of sports leagues from adult and Pop Warner to little leagues.
"Mike does a lot for the community. He's helped so many people, especially sports leagues," Smart comments. "He never played sports himself but he's always coached our teams," Smart said referring to her siblings and herself.
Pfankuch's giving nature just keeps going. Not only does his company serve as sponsors, they also have what they like to call 'Donation Nights' where 20% of all the restaurant's proceeds on certain evenings go to different sports groups or organizations. To top it off, Pfankuch was last year's High Noon Rotary President.
Such a philanthropic nature must be the reason why the restaurant has seen the likes of Mayor Bud Lewis, professional football players and the singer from U2. Or perhaps it's because of their 'House Special Pizza' that has everything on it.
"It's a definite customer favorite. Probably the most popular item on the menu," Smart says.
So, if you're thinking of a place that has awesome food, a great family environment, a 70" big screen TV, arcade games and, most importantly, a giving spirit you're probably thinking of That Pizza Place located at 2622 El Camino Real, Suite B.
They're open Fridays from 11 a.m. to midnight and every other day of the week from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., closed most major holidays. Stop by for some great eats or give them a call at (760) 434-3171.
Opened in 1978 by husband and wife Mike and Yvette Pfankuch, That Pizza Place has been winning the hearts and appetites of thousands of customers for almost three decades.
"We've always been in Carlsbad since day one," says That Pizza Place manager, Jenny Smart. "That's what I love about this place. I know so many of the people who come in; it's really a family joint."
Smart has been managing the restaurant for the past eight years but has been frequenting the place since she was about 12 months old.
"Mike is my dad, so I've been coming here for quite awhile." When asked if she had any plans to one day take over and continue the tradition of a family-owned business Smart said that was a definite yes.
The restaurant even has that cozy family feel that one comes to expect from a family-owned business. Trophies and plaques adorn the walls along with random street signs and other old-school paraphernalia. Photos of softball, baseball and football teams complete the look. It's no wonder, either, seeing as how That Pizza Place sponsors more than its fair share of sports leagues from adult and Pop Warner to little leagues.
"Mike does a lot for the community. He's helped so many people, especially sports leagues," Smart comments. "He never played sports himself but he's always coached our teams," Smart said referring to her siblings and herself.
Pfankuch's giving nature just keeps going. Not only does his company serve as sponsors, they also have what they like to call 'Donation Nights' where 20% of all the restaurant's proceeds on certain evenings go to different sports groups or organizations. To top it off, Pfankuch was last year's High Noon Rotary President.
Such a philanthropic nature must be the reason why the restaurant has seen the likes of Mayor Bud Lewis, professional football players and the singer from U2. Or perhaps it's because of their 'House Special Pizza' that has everything on it.
"It's a definite customer favorite. Probably the most popular item on the menu," Smart says.
So, if you're thinking of a place that has awesome food, a great family environment, a 70" big screen TV, arcade games and, most importantly, a giving spirit you're probably thinking of That Pizza Place located at 2622 El Camino Real, Suite B.
They're open Fridays from 11 a.m. to midnight and every other day of the week from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., closed most major holidays. Stop by for some great eats or give them a call at (760) 434-3171.