Tony Dimaggio's Pizza Reopens on Monterey Road

Tony Dimaggio's Pizza will officially reopen today at 3852 Monterey Road. This family-owned spot, a staple since 1977, overcame a roof fire in July 2024 that led to an 11-month closure. Now back in business since June 2025, the restaurant invites the community to its formal celebration on Thursday, October 9, starting at 11:30 a.m. Remarks from Councilmember Bien Doan, representatives of the Monterey Corridor Business Association, and owner Jack Dimaggio will highlight the event, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony. As the city gears up for the restaurant's 50th anniversary in 2027, this milestone underscores the resilience of local businesses that define San Jose's character.

The signature stromboli at Tony Dimaggio's stands out as a unique offering, featuring ham, Italian sausage, salami, mustard, American cheese, and mozzarella cheese, all encased in pizza dough and finished with butter, oregano, black pepper, and homemade tomato sauce. Founded by Tony and Anna Dimaggio, who relocated from the East Coast drawn by the area's mild weather and orchard landscapes reminiscent of Sicily, the restaurant introduced this dish to San Jose locals unfamiliar with it at the time. Today, the family continues the tradition, with Jack, his wife Dimitra, brother Tom, and even their 80-year-old mother still involved in daily operations. Their dedication reflects the strong community ties that make San Jose's neighborhoods thrive.

Monterey Road itself serves as the southern gateway to the city's urban core, stretching from Alma Avenue to Capitol Expressway and supporting around 1,500 businesses and 11,000 jobs. From breweries and retail stores to major employers like Maxar Space Satellites, Sim's Metal, Capitol Drive-In, and The Plant shopping center, this corridor pulses with economic activity. Last year's establishment of a Business Improvement District, led by the Monterey Corridor Business Association in partnership with city staff, allows business owners to pool resources for enhancements like street cleaning, security, and marketing.

Mazza Pizza N Grill Brings Fresh Flavors to the SJSU Area

San Jose's food landscape keeps evolving with local spots like the newly rebranded Mazza Pizza N Grill at 484 E. San Carlos St. This pizzeria, previously known as San Carlos Pizza, has undergone a thoughtful transformation under the same family ownership. Manager Yousef Latifi led the effort to update the over 20-year-old establishment, drawing from its roots while introducing a name that nods to the Farsi word for tasty. The result is a welcoming space that blends familiar comforts with new energy, perfectly positioned near San Jose State University to serve both longtime residents and incoming students.

The renovations touch every corner of the restaurant, from a freshly painted interior and upgraded patio to modern kitchen equipment like a new drink cooler, thermometer, and digital scales. At a cost of about $30,000, these changes support an expanded menu featuring a revamped pizza sauce, in-house garlic chicken strips, tri-tip steak toppings, and Grande-branded mozzarella cheese. Plans for Mediterranean-inspired wraps add even more variety, complementing the Italian staples and creating options that reflect San Jose's diverse tastes. Customers have responded positively to the updates, with initial confusion over the new signage giving way to enthusiasm for the refreshed concept.

Yousef Latifi has focused on building connections with the nearby university community, partnering with sororities and fraternities to promote the shop through flyers and potential philanthropy events as the fall semester approaches in late August. A strong social media presence on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook helps spread the word, showcasing the vibrant offerings to a wider audience. Core favorites remain unchanged, including the $9.99 one-topping 10-inch pizza, various pastas like chicken alfredo, halal chicken and steak kabob platters, and beer alongside the meals.

Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Mazza Pizza N Grill offers convenient delivery through apps such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Postmates, with in-person and phone orders available too.

Source: SVBJ