Straw Hat Moving Into Former Pizza Hut Site In San Lorenzo

SAN LORENZO, CA — Straw Hat Pizza, a family-friendly pizzeria that dates to 1960 in San Leandro, will open its newest restaurant in September in San Lorenzo.

The locale will move into a spot — at 15922 Hesperian Blvd. — formerly occupied by Pizza Hut, according to company officials.

The pizza chain, with its “Genuine California Pizza” claim to fame, is marking its 62nd year in the pizza-pie biz. Today, the restaurant offers a slew of pizza options, including vegan, gluten-free and cauliflower-crust pies, plus appetizers, wings, salads and sandwiches.

Straw Hat Pizza was launched in July 1959 by industry veterans, Charlie Olsen and Bill Henderlong, who aimed for "a better tasting product and family-friendly environment," with the first Straw Hat Pizza opening in 1960 in San Leandro, management said.

Why the moniker "Straw Hat"? The duo selected the name based on typical uniforms worn by pizzeria staff at the time throughout California, according to the chain.

Over the years, the "People Pleasin Pizza!” business bounced about between owners, including Saga Corp., SoCal-based Pizza Palace, Marriott Corp. and Pizza Hut to a current arrangement with Straw Hat Pizzas franchised by Straw Hat Restaurants Inc.

The upcoming San Lorenzo site will be the company's third location opening in 2021, and will be run by owner Naresh Nayyar, a previous Straw Hat partner, the company said.

The Straw Hat Pizza in San Lorenzo will be a delivery and take-out location. Follow along here for restaurant opening details.

See all Straw Hat locations here.

------------

IN OTHER LOCAL RESTAURANT NEWS ON PATCH:

• San Leandro's Slice House By Tony Gemignani Fundraiser For Kids
• These 19 Castro Valley Restaurants Scored Revitalization Money
• 6 East Bay Restaurants Earn 2021 Wine Spectator Award
• East Bay Restaurants in Spotlight For Al Fresco Dining
• Pacific Catch In Walnut Creek Offers Seasonal Menu
• Grand Opening Wednesday Evening For Headlands Brewing Co.
• Popular Chef Brings Filipino Heritage To New SF Restaurant
• Peruvian Street-Food Chef To Open Brick-and-Mortar Eatery In SF