In the ever-lively and bustling atmosphere of the Aliso Viejo Town Center (AVTC), a pizza store finds its way into the impressive line-up. With many businesses closing up shop, Sgt. Pepperoni's Pizza Store—commonly called Sgt. Pepp's—is a very welcome addition to the AVTC family. The name may sound familiar to experienced Orange County residents, as it first opened its doors in 1976 in Newport Beach. It quickly drew large crowds and became the center of the community. In October 2013, new ownership took the wheel and in 2019, was awarded Best Pizza, Best Food Truck, Best Family-Friendly Restaurant, and Best Munchies Spot by OC Weekly. Sgt. Pepp's is a family-run business, run by four local couples who would frequent the original branch as children: Jeff and Erica Roberts, Andy and Grace Hong, Rob and Ellen Dodman, and Stan and Jennifer Frazier. Roberts with a customer during the soft opening weekend. Hong posing with a customer. Surprise photobombing in the back. The pizza is Mr. Stan Frazier’s hand-crafted recipe—perfected on the road during his time with the rock band, Sugar Ray—and has a delicate, chewy dough with a sharp taste of cheese nipping at your taste buds. The menu also offers three other whole pies, with options for slices—and a variety of sides. For adults over the age of 21, they serve an assortment of beer, wine, and other types of alcohol, either by the bottle, or glass. Frazier handwriting the alcohol menu with chalk. Aliso Viejo is testing a temporary dining layout, utilizing the parking area in Town Center, between Panda Express and the pizza store. There will be live music throughout the week, sanitizing stations with wipes and hand sanitizer, and a place to eat—outside—in front of the shops. Common dining area, complete with privacy walls, umbrellas and greenery. Customers preparing to enjoy their pizza in the outside dining area. Drop by and taste this for yourself any time between 4-9 p.m., July 16–19 and 23–26, during Sgt. Pepp’s Soft Openings, and attend the full-on grand opening on Monday, July 27.