Iconic That Pizza Place is back!

It feels good to go home!  That Pizza Place, the iconic Carlsbad pizza restaurant has reopened.

For those who are unfamiliar with That Pizza Place, here’s a little bit of its history.  In 1978, Mike and Yvette Pfankuch opened the doors to That Pizza Place.  It quickly became the go-to spot for great food, youth sports, and community. It became a part of the DNA of Carlsbad, beloved by many.  The Pfankuch family went on to operate That Pizza Place for over 40 years.  During the height of the Covid 19 pandemic, they made the difficult decision to close the doors to the restaurant.  Generations of devoted customers were devastated.  

As news spread of That Pizza Place’s closure, four local, longtime friends were deeply affected by the news.  John Chavez, Chris Chiarappa, Troy Guerra and Thadd MacNeal understood That Pizza Place’s importance in the community.  They grew up spending their childhoods at That Pizza Place–eating pizza after Pop Warner, baseball, and football games, playing the arcade games, and hanging out with friends and family for birthdays and the like. They were determined to reopen its doors and continue the long-standing Carlsbad tradition.  

John, Chris, Troy, and Thadd spent nearly two years renovating the restaurant and reopened the doors on June 27, 2022.  Ushering in the next chapter of That Pizza Place’s history– honoring original recipes, the importance of supporting community and youth sports.  Of course, they have added some new menu items as well!  The entire interior has been renovated, including an open concept dining room with two garage doors leading out to the new outdoor patio.  The spirit of That Pizza Place remains, with the original wallpaper flanking the arcade wall and the original brick on the team sports and arcade walls and the nostalgic newspaper countertops.  Even the horse ride is in its infamous corner for the kids to enjoy!  They also acquired some of the original signs, trophies, and old team photos that so many people remember.  In fact, they are asking for old team photos that residents may have picked up when the restaurant closed, to hang back up and add to the nostalgia.  

That Pizza Place is very proud of their menu which includes original recipes, house made dressings, sauces, and potato chips (salt, BBQ and salt n vinegar). Notably, the lunch special is still on the menu Monday through Friday 11am-3pm (which includes a personal size pizza, salad, and fountain drink-the best deal in town)!  There are some new items on the menu that you must try.  That Pizza Place now serves chicken wings tossed in house made sauces like mild buffalo, extra spicy buffalo, garlic parmesan, house made barbeque, honey-siracha, and barbecue dry rub (or order them naked).  Believe it or not, they go through hundreds of pounds of wings per week.  These wings are quickly becoming a major crowd favorite.  The TPP House salad is also a patron favorite-including house made blood orange vinaigrette, spring mix, dried cherries, pine nuts, gorgonzola, tomatoes, carrots and onions.  They also offer desserts like their own spin on a Pazookie and Brookie, a skillet baked cookie served with ice cream and whipped cream.  As owner Troy Guerra likes to reiterate, “nothing at That Pizza Place is frozen, except for the ice cream!”  Something they are very proud of.  

That Pizza Place continues its tradition of being the go-to spot for birthday parties, and sports team celebrations (ie little league, Pop Warner, FNL, high school, etc.).  Local companies have enjoyed hosting parties and company gatherings as well.  Featuring 11, large 4K TVs, That Pizza Place now has the NFL’s Sunday Ticket…so plan to come watch your favorite NFL or college team on the weekends.  John, Chris, Troy and Thadd can’t wait to welcome you back to try some of the old classics and new favorites. Welcome back That Pizza Place, we sure missed you!