What Happened to Shakey’s Pizza Parlor? And What Country Has Over 300 Locations Today?
In the 1970s, Shakey’s Pizza Parlor was THE hangout for teens across the nation. It was a Friday night ritual: after the local high school football game, teens flooded their local Shakey’s to flirt, listen to music and enjoy a slice of pizza or two, along with a large order of Mojos (those were their signature battered fries that helped many put on the Freshman 15).
Families also flocked to the establishment, where open seating with large picnic table benches and chairs made for easy congregation. Parents could easily enjoy a night out there, indulging in some draft beers as their kids ran around the restaurant or stood on the kitchen viewing platform, captivated, watching as the chefs handcrafted their pizza orders .
Today, the famed pizza parlor has vacated much of the U.S. But one state is still home to a number of locations. And in a number of other countries, the company is still thriving.
When Did Shakey’s Pizza Parlor First Open?
The very first Shakey’s opened on April 15, 1954, in Sacramento. Sherwood “Shakey” Johnson (a nickname given to him during World War II, as he suffered from tremors due to malnutrition) cofounded the very first franchise pizza chain in the U.S. with his business partner, Ed Plummer, a friend he met in the Navy. After their success in Sacramento, they branched out and opened two Shakey’s in Oregon, and another in Albany, New York.
Bill Peters/The Denver Post via Getty Images
From there, it was time to franchise.
“Shakey’s became the first franchise pizza chain in the United States,” wrote George Geary in his Made In California book. During the parlor’s earliest days, Johnson would indulge his love for banjo playing by encouraging live performances at his establishments, including banjo and piano music.
By the late 1960s, there were hundreds of locales, with many spots strategically chosen by their proximity to Kinney Shoes stores. Johnson eventually sold his 250+ branches in 1967 and retired to ranch life.
Shakey’s continued to flourish and eventually went international, with a store opening in Canada followed by a boom in the Philippines. There are currently 300+ Shakey’s Pizzas in the Philippines, along with locations in Japan, including Tokyo and Okinawa. The Greater Mexico City region also has several in operation.
Where Are There Still Shakey’s Pizza Parlors in the United States?
Via Shakey’s website
The pizza chain recently celebrated its 70th anniversary. While locations on the East Coast and the Midwest no longer exist, restaurants are still thriving in Southern California.
“After 71 years, through the decades a lot of things happen,” Cindy Staats, vice president of marketing for Shakey’s USA, told ReMIND. “Restaurants usually only last about 20 years.” According to Staats, Shakey’s corporate has been sold several times creating a lot of change, and closing many sites. “The corporate office throughout the decades has been located in several different spots,” she tells. “Our Corporate office is located just outside of Downtown Los Angeles making things very convenient now because the majority of our stores are here in So Cal. It works out so well. We have great franchises and also corporately own a number of the restaurants here. All are very into their communities and each city’s location has something a little different to offer.”
Why the longevity?
“Besides our great pizza, secret recipe golden fried chicken and Mojo potatoes that people love, we also provide a great gathering place where there is something for everyone … The kids can play games … dads can have a beer … it’s easy for everybody to just enjoy each other’s company. Everybody wins! It’s multigenerational; we hear it all the time, ‘My dad brought me here and now I bring my son!’ It’s about great experiences and sharing great times together,” she says.
Denise Ames
Mario, a customer at the Burbank location and father of 7-year-old Mason, agrees, “We come for the food and to have fun. I’ve been coming here for over 15 years; now I get to share the experience with my son!” Mason adds, “It is so fun here. I like the arcade games and I love the pizza, wings and the prizes!”
With dozens of locations featuring good food, smoothies, beer, wine, Happy Hour specials and Shakey’s Fun Zones (which originated from Johnson playing piano and banjo music to entertain his customers, and have since segued into the large video game entertainment rooms of today), there are currently 25 restaurants sprinkled throughout Los Angeles County alone, including one in Hollywood on the famed Sunset Boulevard. Planning a trip to Disneyland? There’s a Shakey’s just 1.5 miles from The Happiest Place on Earth, and another just a few miles from the go-to park, Knott’s Berry Farm. San Diego County also has a location in the city of Escondido near San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
Denise Ames
Regarding what the future holds for this fun-filled franchise, Staats reveals what she can. “We have some big plans moving forward, however, I can not divulge what they are yet!” she teases. “I can tell you they are coming down the pipeline very soon. Everyone will start seeing the changes in just a few months and yes, we are very excited!”
These days Shakey’s has become for most, a destination stop where families can relive childhood memories and make new ones during their summer vacations in bright and sunny Southern California. Shakey’s also offers catered party packages for all kinds of special occasions from birthdays and team events to wedding and anniversaries.
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