Get ready for a serious dose of nostalgia! Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, the place where generations have gathered for pizza, chicken, and those legendary Mojo Potatoes since 1954, is celebrating the grand opening of its completely reimagined Culver City flagship this November.
Known in its early days as “Ye Public House,” Shakey’s has always been about community. Now, in line with its new slogan, “The People’s Pizza Parlor,” the brand has perfectly blended the kitschy charm of its history with modern updates designed to get people off their phones and back to connecting face-to-face. You can expect curated 80s music and retro-inspired décor that feels warm, welcoming, and undeniably cool.
Pop Culture Icon, Family Institution
Founded 71 years ago in Sacramento as the nation’s first pizza franchise, Shakey’s quickly became famous for its freshly made pizza, golden-fried chicken, and those addictively crispy, fried Mojo Potatoes.
The brand’s roots in music and entertainment cemented it as a pop culture institution, making appearances everywhere from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Wayne’s World to Gilmore Girls. Its loyal fanbase includes A-listers like Brad Pitt, Dave Grohl, and Katy Perry, who often cite Shakey’s as part of their own personal history.
That incredible legacy continues today. Shakey’s remains the perfect neighborhood spot where multiple generations gather around long communal tables, celebrating birthdays, team wins, and simply catching up. The redesigned flagship builds on this heritage with exciting new spaces, including a ‘parlor pub’ perfect for watching live sporting events and a family-friendly outdoor patio.
“This remodel is a tribute to the history, flavors, and memories that have made Shakey’s a cherished part of our guests’ lives for more than seven decades,” said John Tilly, Creative Visionary of Shakey’s USA. “We have evolved with each generation while staying true to the spirit of the pizza parlor, a place to relax, celebrate, and enjoy great food together.”
The Classic Reimagined
The newly remodeled flagship is careful to preserve Shakey’s signature character while introducing smart updates for today’s guests:
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Vintage-Inspired Atmosphere: Expect retro signage, warm lighting, and playful 1980s-inspired décor that taps right into that sweet spot of nostalgia.
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Time-Honored Menu: The classics are all here – handcrafted pizzas, fried chicken, and Mojo Potatoes – but they’re joined by new menu items and seasonal specials, including the new Shakey’s Parlor Pilsner. Plus, the beloved Bunch of Lunch® Buffet is still available for an all-you-can-eat feast.
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Enhanced Hospitality: The space is designed for comfort, encouraging guests to linger and connect, whether they’re sports fans, large parties, or just families looking for a fun night out.
As Senior Vice President of Marketing Cindy Staats notes, the goal is clear: “Our goal is to honor the brand’s heritage while welcoming a new generation that craves authentic, shared experiences. The Culver City flagship is where that vision comes to life.”
For more information about Shakey’s, visit Shakeys.com.