"The Big One!" The GIGANTIC 30-Inch Pizza Comes to San Clemente

My friends, Steven and Kassie Black just started their first Pizza Business in North San Clemente, by the DMV.

So I thought I'd write up a story about their wildly interesting backgrounds and how that led them to invest in an old broken down pizza parlor, totally remodel it, and then start selling the kinda great pizza you just cannot seem to find anymore.

Even their big guy---the 30-inch whopper!

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Steven Black is a champion bowler and his wife, Kassie, won a college scholarship for golf.  In February, they bought the long-standing Surfside Pizza across from the DMV in North San Clemente.

Kassie, age 26, says, “I started at age 15 as a server in the food service field, and ended up managing at New York Pizza Department franchise for two years. What got me started was my cousin owns Giant Manhattan Pizza in Garden Grove, CA and I just loved its fast-paced rhythm and organization.  Our goal with our own place here is to make a difference where we can in our city, especially in supporting non-profit groups, particularly the Boys and Girls Club, San Clemente Little League, San Clemente Girls Softball and many more.”

Steven started bowling at age two, and at nine, bowled competitively on the Junior Bowlers Tour. He won his first tournament at age nine, shot his first 300 game at age 11 and between nine and 20 his 43 titles earned him over $100,000 which paid for his college degree from Arizona State University. After the 2010-2011 seasons, he was named Western Region PBA “Player of the Year”.

Steven wants to open more pizzerias, but always with the same high integrity in food quality and presentation. “We don’t just want to be the little ‘pizza joint’ on the corner; we want to participate fully as citizens in San Clemente and make a difference in town wherever we can.”

Kassie says, “We shopped to buy a parlor with real atmosphere by the ocean and when we visited this pizzeria, we loved the location and its cozy size and layout.  We completely revamped this place, redecorating, remodeling and upgrading the kitchen. We even put in a stone oven, which makes for a better flavor for the pizza’s crust and cheese.”

Steven adds, “To be different, we decided to offer, “The Big One” A 30-inch pizza which people just love for their parties, kids’ birthdays, office meetings, real estate agents’ open houses, and more. When people feeding a group at a party, sporting event, Little League, etc. first see the huge box that the 30-incher comes in, they usually point and say, ‘Wow! -- I want that BIG one.’” It feeds from 8-10 people.

Surfside gives anyone the opportunity to try to eat the whole 30” pie for a trophy, and a picture on the “wall of fame”. If you finish it, it’s free for anyone who can eat the 30-inch pizza in one sitting.

The menu includes a wide arrange of sizes and many toppings, capped off by their two LARGE pizzas, 20” and 30”. Pizzas are also available by the slice.

Besides pizza, Surfside offers the most popular pasta items from spaghetti to lasagna, chicken wings, a range of 12” packed full sandwiches, salads, sides and appetizers. They deliver meals within a 10-mile radius ($15 min. order), and the parlor has inside seating for 12 people, including a table outside.

The couple has already nailed down some large and recurring catering jobs with more in the works.

There are half a dozen game machines for kids, including the ever-popular stuffed animal crane.

Perhaps the most novel element to their operation is enjoying clientele from the adjacent Shore Cliff Golf Course as customers.  On the 7th hole, players can ring the doorbell and will be served right over the fence. Most opt for 2 slices of pizza and a soft drink and then continue on with their game.  “We’re happy to cater to the golfers and support the local golf course as well,” Kassie explains.

What’s next? Steven waves a hand toward the nearby beach, “To find the next great location by the sea! Let us know if you have one.”

Surfside Pizza is at 216 Avenida Vaquero, San Clemente, CA 92672, in the Shorecliffs Plaza across the street from the DMV. Sunday-Thursday 10am-10pm, Friday-Saturday 10am-11pm. See the menu at http://www.surfsidepizzeria.com. Email: Surfsidepizza@rocketmail.com | 949-498-3400.

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