Long before pizza delivery apps, stuffed-crust gimmicks, and national chains on every corner, there was Straw Hat Pizza — a family-friendly, California-born pizza chain that helped define what “going out for pizza” meant for generations.

For many Californians, Straw Hat Pizza wasn’t just dinner. It was birthday parties, Little League celebrations, arcade games, salad bars, and the hum of a busy dining room packed with families. While the brand is far smaller today, its place in American food history is secure.

Humble Beginnings: A California Pizza Story

Straw Hat Pizza was founded in 1959 by Charlie Olson and Bill Henderlong. The first location opened in San Leandro, California, during a period when pizza was still becoming a mainstream American favorite.

The name came from the straw hats worn by pizza makers at early California pizzerias — a visual shortcut that told customers exactly what kind of place they were entering. Casual. Friendly. Pizza-focused.

The Golden Years: 1960s Through the Early 1980s

Through the 1960s and 1970s, Straw Hat Pizza expanded rapidly across California and Nevada. By 1980, the chain reportedly operated more than 200 locations, becoming a staple in suburban shopping centers and family neighborhoods.

• Large dining rooms built for families and groups
• Arcade games and coin-operated attractions
• Salad bars — a defining feature of the era
• Party rooms for birthdays and team celebrations

The pizza leaned toward what we now call California-style: thin, layered crusts, generous toppings, and a menu designed for sharing. It was food meant to be eaten at a table, not rushed out the door.

Corporate Consolidation and Decline

In 1969, Straw Hat Pizza was sold to Saga Corporation, which later became part of Marriott Corporation. As restaurant consolidation accelerated in the 1980s, Straw Hat became caught in a wave of mergers and acquisitions.

By the late 1980s, many Straw Hat locations were sold to or converted by Pizza Hut. Franchise owners fought back, eventually retaining rights to the Straw Hat name and continuing operations independently — but the brand’s footprint was permanently reduced.

How Straw Hat Pizza Survived

Unlike many mid-century restaurant chains, Straw Hat Pizza never fully disappeared. Independent franchise owners reorganized, preserving the brand, recipes, and name. Today, a limited number of Straw Hat Pizza locations continue operating — primarily in California.

It is no longer a national competitor, but rather a regional legacy brand, sustained by nostalgia and loyal local customers.

Why Straw Hat Pizza Still Matters

Straw Hat Pizza represents an era when pizza parlors were community spaces — places to linger, celebrate, and connect. Its story mirrors the rise of suburban America and the transformation of pizza from novelty to cultural staple.

For many, the memory of Straw Hat Pizza is inseparable from childhood — the smell of baked dough, the sound of arcade machines, and the excitement of a shared pie arriving at the table.

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The Nostalgia Revival

Vintage menus, matchbooks, and advertisements from Straw Hat Pizza frequently surface online, part of a broader resurgence of interest in retro restaurants. These artifacts remind us that regional chains once played a major role in shaping American food culture.

Straw Hat Pizza may no longer dominate California strip malls, but its legacy lives on — in memories, collectibles, and the handful of locations still serving slices under that iconic name.

Related Coverage on STM Daily News

• Food & Drink Coverage on STM Daily News
• Food & Cultural History Features

External References & Further Reading

• Straw Hat Pizza – Historical Overview

STM Daily News continues to explore the food history that shaped our communities — from vanished chains to local favorites that still define how we eat and gather.

Homecooked Chili

(Family Features) Walking in the door to the smell of homemade chili is sure to warm you up from the inside-out, but if you forgot to set up the slow cooker before heading out the door in the morning, don’t fret – a hearty bowl of beans, beef and stewed goodness can still await.

For a quick and easy version of the comfort food classic, consider this Quick Homecooked Chili that’s made in a skillet and ready in half an hour. Just brown ground beef with a chopped onion, stir in beans, tomato sauce, cubed sweet potato and a few simple seasonings and you’re well on your way to a winter warmup.

Find more easy ways to feed your family by visiting Culinary.net.

Quick Homecooked Chili

Recipe adapted from Allrecipes

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Servings: 6

• 1          pound ground beef
  
• 1          onion, chopped
  
• 1          can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  
• 1          can (15 ounces) kidney beans
  
• 1          can (14 1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes
  
• 1          can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  
• 1          sweet potato, cubed
  
•             water (optional)
  
• 1          teaspoon chili powder
  
• 1          pinch garlic powder
  
• salt, to taste
  
• pepper, to taste
  
• sour cream (optional)
  
• sliced avocado (optional)

1. In large saucepan over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until meat is browned and onion is tender, 5-7 minutes.
2. Stir in tomato sauce, kidney beans, stewed tomatoes with juices, diced tomatoes with green chilies and cubed sweet potato. Add water to reach desired consistency.
3. Season with chili powder and garlic powder. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
4. Bring to boil then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 15 minutes.
5. Serve with sour cream and sliced avocado, if desired.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

SOURCE:

Culinary.net

(Family Features) A crucial component of overall well-being, heart health can be a barometer for living a long, healthy and happy life. Because heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, taking steps to reduce your controllable risk factors – including poor diet, stress and inactivity – can set you on the right path.

From regular checkups and reducing stress to eating well – including heart-healthy snacks like grapes – and exercising regularly, these simple steps can help boost your heart health.

Know Your Numbers

Knowing key health metrics such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels and body mass index can help you and your health care provider identify potential risks early. Schedule annual checkups and discuss any concerns you may have about your heart health. Early detection and risk factor management can reduce the likelihood of developing heart disease.

Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
Incorporating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables into your diet can ensure you get a broad range of vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants, all of which contribute to a healthy cardiovascular system. For example, leafy greens like spinach and kale are high in potassium, which helps manage blood pressure. Fresh grapes contain 7% of the daily recommended intake of potassium, are a good source of vitamin K and are also a natural source of beneficial antioxidants and other polyphenols, including flavonoids, that can help relax blood vessels and promote healthy circulation. Some studies also suggest grapes have a beneficial impact on blood lipids and more.

In fact, one study found women who consumed 1 1/4 cups of grapes every day benefited from reduced blood triglyceride levels, LDL cholesterol levels, inflammatory proteins and other markers of heart disease.

Bright, juicy and bursting with flavor, Grapes from California can be enjoyed by the handful or blended with rich bananas, tangy Greek yogurt and a hint of almond in The Great Grape-Acai Smoothie Bowl for a delicious blend of fruity flavors at breakfast, lunch or snack time – it not only tastes great, but supports a healthy heart. 

Get Moving
Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to improve heart health. Exercise strengthens the heart muscle, improves blood circulation and helps maintain a healthy weight. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, as recommended by the American Heart Association, such as walking, jogging or swimming with strength training exercises like lifting weights or using resistance bands mixed in to help reduce the risk of heart disease and improve overall cardiovascular health.

Manage Stress
Consider your stress level: chronic stress can negatively impact heart health, increasing blood pressure and other risk factors for heart disease. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga and regular physical activity can help manage stress levels and maintain a healthy heart. Additionally, taking time to engage in hobbies, spending time with loved ones and ensuring adequate sleep are stress-reducing activities that improve overall well-being and heart health.

To learn more about the heart-health benefits of grapes, and find additional heart-friendly recipes, visit GrapesFromCalifornia.com.

The Great Grape-Acai Smoothie Bowl

Servings: 1

Chicken:

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• 1/2 cup red Grapes from California, fresh or frozen
• 1/2 banana
• 1 frozen acai fruit pack (3 1/2 ounces)
• 1/2 cup plain, nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Topping:

• 1/4 cup sliced red Grapes from California
• 1 tablespoon sliced, toasted almonds
• 1 tablespoon pepitas
• 1 teaspoon chia seeds

1. In small blender, combine grapes, banana, acai, yogurt and almond extract; process until smooth.
2. Pour into bowl and top with sliced grapes, sliced almonds, pepitas and chia seeds.

Nutritional information per serving: 420 calories; 19 g protein; 63 g carbohydrates; 12 g fat (26% calories from fat); 2.5 g saturated fat (5% calories from saturated fat); 5 mg cholesterol; 45 mg sodium; 8 g fiber.

SOURCE:

California Table Grape Commission