This February, the Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce (AVCC) shines its Member of the Month spotlight on a local icon that has been redefining great pizza and community spirit since 1976: Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza Store. Sgt. Pepperoni’s exemplifies how a business can blend exceptional cuisine with meaningful community engagement. This month, we’re thrilled to take you behind the scenes of this beloved pizzeria, revealing the story of success, commitment, and love that defines its legacy.
Founded in 1976 and renowned for its scratch kitchen, Sgt. Pepperoni’s has been named the Best Pizza in Orange County multiple times, a testament to its dedication to quality and the culinary craft. However, it’s their foundation around family, friendship, and community that truly makes them a cornerstone of Aliso Viejo’s vibrant local scene. From hosting fundraisers to supporting projects like Julian’s LEGO® Corner, Sgt. Pepperoni’s goes beyond the kitchen to make a difference in the community.
As part of our celebration, we’ve conducted an exclusive interview with Julie Karges, the Director of Sales & Marketing for Sgt. Pepperoni’s. Julie offers an insider’s look at the pizzeria’s journey from its humble beginnings to becoming a community beacon, shares the secrets behind their success, and gives us a glimpse into what the future holds for Sgt. Pepperoni’s. Join us as we explore the flavors, faces, and future of Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza Store, and discover how they’re ‘baking’ a difference in Aliso Viejo, one slice at a time.
Can you share the story behind the inception of Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza Store and how it has evolved since 1976?
Sgt. Pepperoni’s, established in 1976 on Bristol St. in Newport Beach, swiftly became a beloved fixture in the neighborhood. When word spread that the restaurant was up for sale, longtime patrons – individuals who had grown up frequenting Sgt. Pepps – wasted no time in seizing the opportunity. The Roberts, Hongs, Dodmans, and Fraziers, childhood friends united by their fond memories of the place, joined forces to make it their own. Recognizing the need for a comprehensive overhaul, the team embarked on a mission to revitalize every aspect of the restaurant.
Together, they infused it with a fresh new look and an updated menu, all the while preserving its cherished community-centric atmosphere. At the heart of it all, the ethos of ‘Peace, Love, and Pizza’ remained unwavering. Today, their vision has blossomed into a thriving enterprise, with three locations proudly carrying on the tradition.
Sgt. Pepperoni’s has been named Best Pizza in Orange County four years in a row. What do you believe are the key factors contributing to your consistent recognition and success?
First of all, we are constantly amazed at our loyal fan base. They get out and vote, and we so appreciate their enthusiasm and support. I would answer it this way: the restaurants reflect who we are. We created a restaurant where we wanted to hang out. Specific to the food, once we committed to the NY style and having a legitimate slice concept, we further committed to freshness, and we’ve had a scratch kitchen using top ingredients from the day we opened. We know people taste the difference and appreciate the variety.
The restaurant itself is lively and fun and is welcoming to everybody, and we’ve held on to the Beatles theme as our vehicle to communicate our message of peace, love, and pizza in our neighborhoods. Committing to the schools, churches, and athletics organizations in our trade area comes from the heart, as all of the owners are raising families in the area and are active in many of the groups we support. We love hosting fundraisers and giving back. So, that is our formula… make a place to grab a brew, have a slice, and watch the game with the people you love.
Your commitment to a 98% scratch kitchen is impressive. Could you go deeper into the importance of making fresh dough, pizza sauce, desserts, and hand-grating cheese daily for your business?
Our commitment to a scratch kitchen philosophy traces back to our early days when we acquired the Newport Beach store in 2012. Realizing the importance of delivering quality and consistency, we began crafting many menu items in-house. Our dough and sauce became our lifeblood, prompting us to refine recipes for daily preparation to ensure freshness and flavor. Subsequently, we expanded to include salad dressings, desserts, garlic knots, meatballs, and more.
Transitioning to a scratch kitchen became our primary focus, driving us to invest in new equipment to meet customer demands—a blessing in disguise! Hand-tossing each pizza, a practice uncommon elsewhere, exemplifies the care we invest in our kitchen daily.
While cutting corners and opting for cheaper ingredients is an option, we prioritize our customers’ satisfaction. At Sergeant Pepperoni’s, we value patrons returning for our homemade offerings over compromising food quality. We live by the mantra that we’re only as good as our last pizza, maintaining unwavering standards and fine-tuning our taste buds!
Sgt. Pepperoni’s is rooted in family, friendship, and community. How do these values shape your business practices and company culture?
Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza Store’s core values of family, friendship, and community deeply influence its business practices and company culture, fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment for employees and customers. These principles guide the store in creating a welcoming atmosphere, promoting teamwork, and engaging with the local community through supportive and charitable initiatives. This approach enhances employee morale and customer loyalty. It strengthens the store’s ties to Orange County, reinforcing its reputation as a beloved local establishment recognized for its exceptional pizza and commitment to positive community impact.
Creating a positive employee experience is a priority for Sgt. Pepperoni’s. How do you foster a supportive and engaging work environment for your team?
At Sgt. Pepperoni’s, fostering a positive employee experience is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in empowering our team members to reach their fullest potential in every endeavor. Through a culture of unwavering support and genuine appreciation, we ensure everyone feels valued and recognized for their contributions.
Whether celebrating their successes or offering encouragement during challenges, we strive to instill confidence and capability that extends beyond the workplace, enriching all aspects of their lives.
What are some of the customer favorites on your menu, and do you have any personal recommendations?
Our customers rave about our irresistible happy hour and lunch specials, with the Meatball and Ricotta pizza topping the charts as a fan favorite. We’ve built a reputation for serving up delicious slices and providing top-notch catering services.
If you want a personal recommendation, I suggest trying our flavorful spinach salad and our unique cauliflower crust pizza topped with pepperoni, pineapple, and jalapeños.
With a menu rooted in tradition, how does Sgt. Pepperoni’s approach innovation and introducing new items or flavors?
We’re dedicated to enhancing our menu while honoring authentic NY recipes. Our talented team crafts a special Pizza of the Month each month, showcasing a unique blend of toppings. In February, it’s the K Pie, inspired by Korean BBQ flavors.
As we welcome spring in March, prepare to indulge in the Pear and Gorgonzola Pie, a delightful combination. Enjoy our Pizza of the Month selections by the slice or as an 18” pizza.
As Sgt. Pepperoni’s continues to grow, are there any exciting developments or plans for the future that you can share with the AVCC community?
We are incredibly fortunate to have three thriving restaurants in Orange County: Newport Beach, Irvine, and Aliso Viejo. Continually seeking new expansion opportunities, we sincerely appreciate the tremendous support from the Aliso Viejo community.
Our Aliso Viejo location is our largest store, providing flexibility in hosting fun events. We recently launched Trivia on Thursday nights and will soon begin offering pizza-making parties on Saturdays and Sundays. During these events, kids can learn how to make a pizza, bake their own creations, and enjoy. We also partner with Pinot’s Palette on kids’ paint and pizza parties. Our patio makes an excellent space for gatherings.
How has being a member of the Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce (AVCC) benefited Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza Store, and what do you value most about the membership?
Membership in the AVCC has brought numerous benefits to our business. The professional community is incredibly welcoming, and we’ve found great value in attending their networking events whenever possible. They’re dedicated to providing education and offer valuable resources and training.
We take pride in providing meals for the group whenever we can, which has significantly increased our exposure. We’re grateful for the connections we’ve made and the strong sense of community fostered by the chamber. Without a doubt, our involvement has contributed to the growth of our business.
Join The Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce
If you represent a business or would like to get involved with our business and community leaders, we welcome you to join the Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is dedicated to growing our local economy and connecting like-minded Aliso Viejo residents through professional relationships.
We hope that you’ll visit our sign-up page, fill out a form, and join our Chamber as we work together to promote and serve our community. There are so many benefits for members!