The Story Behind Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza, A 50 Year Orange County Favorite

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TLDR

For nearly five decades, Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza has been part of the Orange County food story. The original location opened in 1976 on Bristol Street in Newport Beach, bringing New York style pizza to Southern California long before craft pizza became a trend. Over the years the restaurant grew into a local favorite, known for its welcoming atmosphere, scratch made food, and deep connection with the community. Today, with locations in Newport Beach and Irvine, Sgt. Pepperoni’s holds the title of one of Orange County’s longest running pizzerias.

The brand was shaped by people who grew up around it. Childhood friends Jeff Roberts, Andy Hong, and Stanton Frazier eventually took ownership of the restaurant they had loved since they were young. Their goal was simple. Keep the spirit of the neighborhood pizza shop alive while continuing to serve great food. That mindset helped Sgt. Pepperoni’s stay grounded as the food scene around it evolved.

Built on Friendship, Craft, and Community

The leadership behind Sgt. Pepperoni’s reflects the same values customers feel when they walk through the door. Jeff Roberts and Andy Hong brought years of dedication to the business, while Stanton Frazier added a creative perspective shaped by his background as a musician and producer. Together they built a company that values teamwork, humility, and generosity as much as the food it serves.

Community involvement plays a major role in the restaurant’s identity. One of the most meaningful traditions is its partnership with Children’s Hospital of Orange County. Each year the restaurant collects new LEGO sets for children in the hospital and contributes part of its sales to support the effort. Over time this initiative has delivered thousands of LEGO sets to young patients and has become a highlight for the team and the community that supports them.

A Scratch Kitchen That Keeps People Coming Back

Sgt. Pepperoni’s continues to stand out because of its commitment to quality. The kitchen prepares dough fresh every day, makes marinara sauce from scratch, and uses hand grated cheese along with house made dressings and desserts. That attention to detail places the restaurant closer to craft pizza than traditional fast food chains.

The menu balances classic New York style pies with creative rotating specials that encourage repeat visits. Customers can expect familiar favorites like pepperoni and margherita alongside seasonal pizzas that introduce unexpected flavors such as Korean bulgogi, al pastor, or pear and gorgonzola. This mix keeps the experience fresh while staying rooted in the restaurant’s original identity.

Final Thoughts

After almost fifty years, Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza remains a neighborhood institution in Orange County. Its story is built on friendship, consistency, and a strong connection to the community that helped it grow. Families return for the pizza they have loved for years, while new visitors discover a place that still feels genuine and welcoming. That balance between tradition and creativity continues to define Sgt. Pepperoni’s today.

If you already have a favorite pizza in mind, order directly through the Sgt. Pepperoni’s mobile app. It makes it easy to order ahead, skip the line, and pick up your go to pies whenever the craving hits.

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