“Looking back, one thing I miss from the first and second locations is being able to have customers see us and us being able to see them and being able to greet them and see everyone have a good time. At this new location, I won’t be able to do that; this building isn’t designed like a Pizza Factory like the first and second locations,” says Brian, recalling the memories that are missed from the previous location of Pizza Factory.
As many community members are now aware, in November, the Pizza Factory moved to a new location just down the road at 4264 Phelan Road. While it will take some time for their customers to adjust to the restaurant’s new location, it has also been a significant change for owners Brian and his wife, Kimberly.
Brian and Kimberly Lombardi have operated their Pizza Factory for nearly 40 years, starting in 1986. The small business first opened where Mama Maria’s Grill is currently located, and, for the old-timers, this is where Smith’s Market was in 1978. After just 6 years, the growing business decided to relocate. In 1992, Pizza Factory moved into the Phelan Town Square, where it remained for a treasured 33 years. After careful consideration, Brian and Kim decided to move again to today’s location, just east of Phelan Elementary School, still on Phelan Road. As for the reason for the move, it didn’t come down to just one thing. At the old Phelan location, costs continued to rise. Rent, utilities, insurance, and wages all went up. State laws such as Assembly Bill 1228 and the Raise the Wage Act increased the minimum wage for restaurant workers, raising payroll costs. Given these factors, it was difficult for Brian to make the numbers work and stay there.
“When I first heard about Pizza Factory’s move, I was shocked. I was unaware and thought they were gone for good. Pizza Factory means so much to me and my family. We’ve attended friends’ parties there, so to have Pizza Factory gone would mean losing the memories made there. I’m glad they are still here and look forward to enjoying the Pizza Factory’s new place,” says Vanessa, a resident of Phelan.
Although the move may have appeared quick to our community, Brian says it was actually the opposite. He says that “the move took longer than expected” and that there were “delays” in the transition. Brian planned to close the business for only 2 days, but due to move-in challenges, it had to be closed for 5 days to get everything in place and operational.
In the new location, Pizza Factory now has more room, more games, better parking, and a bar for adult beverages. The new location can accommodate larger parties and meetings for all your special occasions. Currently, Pizza Factory offers daily in-person specials and plans to add more appetizers to its menu, as well as a happy hour. One exciting return is the all-you-can-eat pizza buffet, which now includes the return of the beloved salad bar. Although the business is in a new area, it maintains the same commitment it has shown since 1986.
“My hope for Pizza Factory is that it’s successful, that the community embraces this place as its hometown place to come and host their parties. We’ve enjoyed having this community over the last four years, so my hope is to keep Pizza Factory going,” said Brian regarding his hope for the Phelan Pizza Factory.
The Pizza Factory also invites the community to celebrate and enjoy the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 8th. With a bright vision of what’s to come in the future, Brian says, “We put the Pizza Factory here for the community. In our little town and community place, we welcome all to come, have your parties here, and create your memories here.”
