Today we’d like to introduce you to Bill Vivian.
Regents Pizzeria was founded by Stephen Carson in 2005. He was a brilliant chef who loved comfort food. What better palate for comfort food than pizza! Through the years Stephen refined the recipes and focused on hand crafted, authentic NY and Chicago style American pizza. He broadened the concept to include a full menu of pastas, salads, appetizers, sandwiches and desserts. Sadly,
Stephen passed away in 2011. Bill , a long time business associate, took over the operation and expanded it to a new 4000 square foot operation in the same medical center. The San Diego Craft Beer scene was developing huge momentum at that time. So, they decided to test the concept of pairing American Craft Pizza with American Craft Beer. Well, it certainly worked. They now have a beautiful facility with a 32 tap craft beer bar. 2 of these taps are dedicated to Nitro beers and 2 others to Cask Conditioned beer. They set out to differentiate themselves from the competition by offering a constantly changing beer selection. 24 of their taps are dedicated to a specific style of beer.
So when a beer keg “kicks, ” they replace it with the same style from a different brewer. Each week they also tap a cask conditioned beer from a different brewer and dedicate a few handles exclusively to their beers. It all paid off. In the 2016 issue of San Diego Magazine, they were recognized as runner up for best beer selection in San Diego. Last month Zagat noted that they are one of the 10 hottest beer bars in San Diego as well.
They are constantly trying to up their game in every way. Their menu ingredients have evolved to be the best available in the country, using artisan suppliers such as Mary’s Free Range Chicken, Grande Cheese, Molinari Salami, Specialty Produce, Marissa Sausage and Zoe’s Meats bacon. Their dough is made under highly controlled conditions and ferments for 2 days before becoming the heart of the pie. Their Wing Selection goes from mild to outrageously hot by changing the peppers in the sauce. They start with their basic Buffalo Sauce and evolve from Jalapeno, to Habanero to Ghost and finally Scorpion peppers. Their Garlic fries and Truffle fries are to die for. Their highly popular salads include the Rib Eye Gorgonzola, Toasted Goat Cheese, Candied Walnut Gorgonzola and Cobb.
The burger line is outrageous. They make them from freshly ground pancetta, Angus rib eye and chuck. Their whole muscle chicken sandwiches feature Mary’s Free Range Chicken. Save room for their Tiramisu or Sweetie Pie desserts.
It all worked. Today, they are one of the 10 busiest pizzerias in America, home grown in San Diego. It will be their pleasure to see you. And as their motto says, “Eat More Pizza, Drink More Beer, Be More Happy!”
Has it been a smooth road?
Well, it’s never a smooth road in any evolving restaurant business. When Stephen opened the concept, he didn’t take a salary for nearly 2 years, putting his own money in to keep the business afloat. Our biggest setback was his passing. However, we were able to carry on his legacy and the spirit of his recipes. Today our sales are more than 12 times higher than the first year of operation.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Regents Pizzeria – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Gosh, there is so much. I have already mentioned many things in the prior description. We are the only restaurant we know of that serves Chicago and NY style of pizza by the slice and whole pie. We also added an amazing gluten free pizza with the help of our friend and owner of Tribute Pizza, Matt Lyons. Our beer selection is constantly changing and one of the most interesting in San Diego. We clean our beer lines weekly to assure the pure taste and quality of our offerings. The wing menu is unmatched and we have amazing Shareable dishes and top quality salads… You can see out website and Instagram feeds to get more detail.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
We like the people of San Diego more than anything else. We have the brightest and most diverse clientele that I have ever dealt with. They are friendly, casual, down to earth and authentic. The climate cannot be beat. The natural beauty of our city is unparalleled. We are also at the center of the craft beer scene. While the industry is in a period of renaissance, there is no greater energy than the collaborative atmosphere of the brewing community here. I liken it to Silicon Valley Why is that place, that place? I’ve heard it said that it’s because some really smart people from Stanford started doing really cool stuff, which attracted more really smart people doing really cool stuff, all in an atmosphere of collaboration. Finally, the place hit critical mass and took off. Well, I believe that’s the same dynamic that has happened in the San Diego Beer Scene, all started by Karl Strauss.
When it comes to like least, I really can’t think of a thing. There is so much energy in this place and it continues to explode.
Pricing:
- Tap 21 is always a $5 IPA.
- Our combo deal offers $1 off the price of 2 slices and a beverage or a slice, salad and beverage
- Every week we feature 20% off 3 of our 18 rare bottled beers
Contact Info:
- Address: 4150 Regents Park Row
Suite 100 - Website: www.regentspizza.com
- Phone: 858-550-0406
- Instagram: @regentspizzeria
- Facebook: Regents Pizzeria
- Yelp: Regents Pizzeria
Image Credit:
Bay Bird PR
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