Pineapple as a pizza topping is polarizing, but the owners of a forthcoming Vancouver restaurant hope they can change a few minds.
Co-owners Steven Che and Jan Natividad are prepping the space at 1629 Kingsway to launch Just Pizza this summer.
The duo teamed up last year and got the keys to the space (a former food business) in November, but have been awaiting permits to begin renovations, Natividad tells V.I.A. by phone.
Che, who grew up in Vancouver and travelled the globe along his culinary career path before returning home to Canada, has had a longtime passion for pizza.
His business partner says Che built his knowledge base in Michelin-starred and award-winning restaurants in the U.S., Norway, and Australia, and wound up bringing his expertise to a recent role as a pizza restaurant chef here in Metro Vancouver.
"He really enjoyed working with pizza and finds a lot of creativity in the space," Natividad says of Che, who will serve as Just Pizza's head chef.
On the menu at Just Pizza: Pizzas 'inspired by different foods and cultures'
Just Pizza will feature pies made with sourdough crust and "cool, interesting combos and toppings," describes Natividad.
The menu is in development, so Natividad doesn't have all the details ready to share, but the plan is to have classic toppings, like pepperoni and mushrooms, alongside more "adventurous" options. No matter what's on top of the pizza, Natividad ensures the Just Pizza approach will be to offer a balance of familiarity and approachability with elevated components and execution.
Che "knows food and ingredients well," adds Natividad, and the menu will reflect not only his Chinese heritage but also his world travels, with pizzas "inspired by different foods and cultures."
Natividad proudly notes that the Just Pizza partnership reflects two queer, Asian owners. The duo is thrilled to be joining what Natividad says has been a welcoming community of friends new and old, and that the restaurant will be one way he and Che can show their gratitude - by offering a friendly, fun, and comfortable place for folks to gather or grab take out.
Friends have helped get Just Pizza going, even in naming the restaurant
Those friends have proven generous in helping Just Pizza get going, contributing "skills and talents" to the venture. One friend can even take credit for the name, Just Pizza.
During a brainstorming session with pals to land on the right tongue-in-cheek vibe for the restaurant, a friend suggested "why not 'Just Pizza'?"
The name stuck, and Natividad now sees the name as a fun extension of the idea, describing locals asking themselves "What's for dinner?" and the answer being "How about just pizza?"(Or, in their case, Just Pizza.)
To take things further, Natividad says Just Pizza won't even sell "just pizza," as the plan is to have a few other shareables on offer, like salads.
Just Pizza promises a fun and comfortable restaurant space
With permits secured, Natividad and Che have begun renovations on the space, which will be bright and fun and in alignment with Just Pizza's branding. "It will be a nice, elevated space, but we don't take ourselves too seriously," says Natividad. 'It will be warm and comforting, not cold and minimalist."
The plan is to have limited seating for about 10 people, with an emphasis on take-out and delivery.
Right now, the ideal timeline would be to quickly set up the space and be open by early June, but Natividad acknowledges that delays could happen. He's hopeful Just Pizza will be open by early summer.
And about that whole pineapple on pizza thing? They're definitely team pineapple, but it's not going to be just what comes out of the can.
"We're not one of those pizza places that are stingy about pineapple on pizza," explains Natividad, adding that they will be presenting the polarizing fruit in an elevated way.
"We hope to even convert some of the people who hate pineapple on pizza."
Follow Just Pizza on Instagram: @justpizzaplease.
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