FEBRUARY EMPLOYEE-OWNER ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS????

February was a big month for employee-owner anniversaries! We celebrated two milestones!

Employee-owner Pancho started with Zachary’s all the way back in 1990. Yes, that means Pancho is celebrating 30 YEARS with Zachary’s! ♥ Pancho is one of our foundation kitchen employees, helping train and develop our new employees at our Oakland and Berkeley locations. We were a young company (only 7 years old!), when he was hired. Pancho has been with us through many growing and transitional phases, including the opening of three new locations, and most excitingly, our transition to being an employee-owned company! Congrats on 30 years Pancho! ????

Arturo was hired in 2005 for our Oakland and Berkeley locations.  His hard work and team oriented attitude quickly established him as a standout employee. 15 years later, Arturo is still that same hard working and team oriented employee- with a great attitude and quick smile to boot! ????

 

Thank you to both Pancho and Arturo! We wouldn’t be the amazing, employee-owned company we are without phenomenal owners like them on our team!

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ZACHARY’S LOVE STORIES: A VALENTINE’S WEEK SERIES

Zachary’s Love Stories: A Valentine’s Week Series

In our almost 37 years in the Bay we’ve had the joy of bringing people together and, on very special occasions, seeing love blossom within our walls.  This week we are sharing a story each day leading up to Valentine’s of employees (past and present) who came looking for a job, but found love as well ????

Monday, 2/10/20

Our first story is of Kaitlin and Neaj. Kaitlin and Neaj met at Zachary’s in March 2015 when Neaj joined the Zachary’s crew. Kaitlin was the one who made the first move by asking Neaj if he could give her guitar lessons. Once they began playing music together, their connection was sealed and they’ve been together ever since, still playing music together today! Besides a mutual love of music, they also enjoy travelling and exploring new places; so much so, they are taking scuba diving lessons so they can explore the ocean together! Thank you for sharing your story Kaitlin and Neaj, and here’s to many more adventures in your future! But don’t forget to refuel after with the pizza that brought you together 😉

Kaitlin and Neaj in 2015

 

 

Kaitlin and Neaj now! Having dinner at our Grand Avenue location.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, 2/11/20

Our next couple found love in their appreciation of the great outdoors. Abby and Brittney were both hired in 2013, Abby in Pleasant Hill and Brittney in Oakland. They met when Abby transferred to our Oakland location that same year and quickly became friends, but kept it at that for a couple of years. When they took a weekend camping trip together and didn’t want to leave each other’s side once they returned, they knew it was more than friendship in their hearts. In 2017, they set off on a new adventure, leaving Zachary’s and moving to Oregon together. Still big lover’s of nature, they continue to go on camping trips accompanied by their adorable pupper Joey (aka, best girl ever!), making the adorable couple an even more adorable trio! ❤

Abby & Brittney in Oregon on a camping trip with Joey!

Abby and Brittney 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, 2/12/20: Middle of the weeks are tough, so we’re sharing two stories today! 

Luke and Melissa met during the summer of 2015 at our San Ramon location. However, they didn’t start dating until 2018, preferring to keep things professional as co-workers. When Melissa decided to move on from Zachary’s to pursue a career in insurance, Luke saw his opportunity and made his move! They went on their first date on February 21st 2018, exactly one week after Valentine’s Day! They knew it was something special pretty quickly and moved in together at the beginning of 2019, along with their kitty Turtle, who Melissa appropriately spoils rotten. Most excitingly, Luke and Melissa just got engaged on December 21st, 2019! Cheers to your love and a future full of kittens and pizza 😉

Luke and Melissa in 2018

Their engagement!

Luke and Melissa in Fall 2019

 

Julia and Mateo met at our College Avenue location during the summer of 2012. There were many polite greetings near the time clock as they waited to punch in for work, but they never took it past that. Until! They tore it up on the dance floor together at our annual holiday party that same year! Mutually appreciative of each other’s moves, they’ve been together ever since. Mateo has been a Zachary’s fan since before birth, when his mother used to come in for slices while she was pregnant with him. It only seems right with that type of history, he would meet and fall in love with his future wife at Zachary’s.  Mateo and Julia got married on December 27th, 2019 in San Antonio Texas (Julia’s hometown). Pizza brought them together, but the joy of dance was the key that opened their hearts to each other. Here’s to your continued happiness Julia and Mateo- and to many pizza party anniversaries in your future! ❤

Julia and Mateo at their wedding Dec. 27, 2019

 

Thursday, 2/13/20 

Joel and Julia met in 2004 at our College Avenue location when Julia was hired.  Joel (a seasoned server by then) thought she was cute, even though she wasn’t the best server 😉 Julia also thought Joel was cute (despite his critic of her server skills), but they remained just friends. That is, until Julia left in 2005 for a full time job in Bolinas. As per Zachary’s tradition, Julia had a last night celebration on her final shift at Zachary’s (shout out to McNally’s). Joel knew he wanted to stay in touch with Julia. Before he left for the night, he asked how they were going to do just that.  Julia told him to call her before she moved in two weeks. Joel, of course, did and they went on their first date. That was all it took. Despite Joel living in Oakland and Julia living in Bolinas, their connection was strong and they made sure to see each other frequently.  Joel and Julia were married on October 6th, 2012 at the Brazilian Room in Berkeley, surrounded by their friends and family (including their Z family!). Joel had the ring for 6 months before he finally proposed at Carmel By The Sea on Valentine’s Day. Four years later, Julia went into labor on Valentine’s Day 2016, and two days after that they met their wonderful son Aron! Needless to say, Valentine’s Day holds a lot of extra special memories for these two. Thanks for sharing your story with us Joel and Julia, and wishing you a very special Valentine’s Day ????

 

Joel and Julia circa 2005

Joel, Julia & Aron in 2016

Joel and Julia in 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday, 2/14/20 Valentine’s Day ❤

Brian and Linda met in 1995 when then manager Frankie Pisciotta hired Linda for our Oakland and Berkeley locations. Brian gives a special thank you to Frankie for that ???? These two wasted no time and it took only a few short months before they went on their first date. Both being fans of the outdoors and hiking, one of their early dates was appropriately the Inspiration Point trail in Tilden Park. While the views were lovely, it proved to be the view of each other that caught their eyes and hearts. They knew right away they wanted to be together- always.  Shortly after they began dating, Brian and Linda moved in together for what they dubbed their “Summer of Love” in 1996. They were married the following year in 1997 and welcomed their two sons, Liam and Casey, a few years later.  Twenty three years after they first met at Zachary’s, their youngest son Casey was hired to work in our kitchen! Talk about a Zachary’s family! Brian and Linda are still lovers of hiking, as well as traveling and working out together. Their oldest son Liam is currently a sophomore in college and Casey is gearing up to start college in the fall! There was no denying their love from the moment they met, but that’s how it goes when a love is this meant to be. Happy Valentine’s Day Brian and Linda, we’re so thankful to have played a part in your love story! And come by for some pizza soon 😉

Brian and Linda circa 1995

Brian and Linda at their wedding! 

Brian and Linda in 2019

PLEASANT HILL TURNS 7 YEARS OLD!

Our Pleasant Hill location is celebrating it’s golden birthday today! It’s turning 7 on the 7th! We cannot believe that 7 years have already gone by! It feels like just yesterday we opened our doors and welcomed the Pleasant Hill community in.  We guess what they say is true, time really flies when you’re making delicious stuffed pizzas 😉 Thank you Pleasant Hill for all your support these past 7 years! We’re looking forward to many more with you! And an extra special thanks to our wonderful crew and managers! It’s their hard work and dedication that make us the wonderful, employee-owned company we are!

EMPLOYEE OWNER SPOTLIGHT: EDWIN JIMENEZ

Since 1983, Zachary’s has been making award-winning pizza in the San Francisco Bay Area. When Zachary’s founders, Zach Zachowski and Barbara Gabel decided to retire, they handed the company over to the employees via an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). In 2010, Zachary’s became 100% employee owned.

Our employee owners are the mojo behind the madness. They make each of our restaurants unique, fun, and delicious.  You may recognize our latest spotlight as one of our Oaklandish t-shirt models, but usually Edwin Jimenez’s friendly smile can be found in the kitchens of San Ramon. After almost a decade with Zachary’s, Edwin has recently been promoted to kitchen supervisor, a position that reflects his dedication to great pizza and the amazing people that make Zachary’s—and the Bay—home.

Spotlight

Name: Edwin Jimenez

Hire Date: September 2010

Fave Pizza: Spinach and Mushroom

Fave Food: Pupusas and Tacos!

Current Location: Hayward

Home Restaurant: San Ramon

Zachary’s Claim to Fame: Edwin is known for his stellar reliability and sense of teamwork. He understands our success is based on the team, not the individual. He is a true team player in this regard, helping guide and direct our crew to be the best they can. His deep respect for his coworkers and the pride he takes in making perfect pizzas, make Edwin an all around employee-owner superstar!

     

Interview*

*Edwin was interviewed by Zachary’s Marketing Manager, Robin Smith

Robin (R): What attracted you to Zachary’s Pizza or made you choose to work here?

Edwin (E): To be honest, before Zachary’s I started working at another [pizza] restaurant because I love pizza and I had the chance to work over there.  But then Alvaro (a fellow San Ramon kitchen employee-owner) talked to me about [Zachary’s] and the opportunity, I didn’t think twice. I came for the pizza but I stayed because I really liked the environment and the people. That’s why I stay. I came for pizza. [Both laugh]

R: The draw was the pizza

E: Yes.

R: What is one of your favorite aspects about working at Zachary’s?

E: It’s funny that you mention it, but I like the reaction of people when I say, “I work at Zachary’s.” A lot of people [say], “oh, really?” That’s very genuine that people react in a really good way that I work at Zachary’s because they’ve heard a lot of good things about the restaurant- the food, the pizza is awesome. So I like that reaction.

R: They’re excited.

E: Yeah, excited. And the funny thing is they start talking about experiences that they’ve had or things that they’ve heard about this place or the pizza or about all the awards, you know, and that’s good, that’s amazing. I like that.

R: It makes you feel good.

E: It makes you feel proud.

R: So spinning on that feeling of pride, what does being an Employee Owner mean to you?

E: It makes me feel more engaged with my job. It’s more responsibility because I’m not just working for someone. I’m working for this place that cares about me…everything I do I have to do with quality and excellence because they do care a lot about me and I care about this restaurant too.

R: Besides being an employee owned company, what are some of the things that make you feel that engagement and keeps you motivated to accept a supervisor position, like you recently did?

E: The reason why is because I felt like, for so many years, I received a lot from this restaurant and this company and I feel like it was time for me to give something back.  To step up and do a little more than what I was doing, like taking another level…Like saying, thank you so much for everything you have done for me…I am going to do something for you guys. I’m going to do my best, help the new guys, if something needs to be fixed, let’s do it, I’m going to help, I’m going to do more.

R: What’s something you love about living in the Bay Area?

E: To be honest I always talk about that with people that come and visit the area and the first thing they say is that they love the area. That they’ve been in…different places around the world, some of my friends that have come to visit and they’ve said this is the best place to live. And to be honest, I love a lot of things about this area. First of all, I love the weather. The weather is perfect. And the fact that you can go to the city, the mountains, to the snow, everything you want to do, everywhere you want to go, it’s a plus. The location is perfect. The weather is perfect. And then the third thing that I love about this area is the people. To be honest the people. They make me feel like I’m welcome here. I feel like I’ve never been treated in a bad way, or seen in a bad way, and I really like that. I really appreciate the people make me feel like I’m welcome here.

R: Absolutely. That’s important. You need to feel welcome where you live. When people come and visit, what are some of the things that you show off to them?

E: The lifestyle here, it’s pretty good. You can go either shopping or you can go visiting museums. The Academy of Sciences in San Francisco is really good. The views. The views are amazing. Places like the Golden Gate, Santa Cruz, things like that. The view that you get when you drive on the Highway 1.  All those things make this place very special and I like to show that to the people that come and visit. What else?  The food. There’s a lot of good places you can go and dine in and have a good time.

R: Speaking of food, what’s your favorite Zachary’s pizza?

E: I gotta say, the OG, it has to be the Spinach and Mushroom. Yeah, that’s the best.

R: I mean, you can’t go wrong…

E: Yes, that is the best one.

R: I agree.

E: And I like how spinach and mushroom complement each other. They create another, totally different flavor. Yes, so that’s my favorite.

R: Hand’s down. [Laughs] Do you have anything else you’d like to talk about or add about your experience at Zachary’s? Besides being the model for the Zachary’s t-shirt? [Both laugh]

E:  The only thing that I would say is that I learn so many things here. I learn that this place…gives me the chance to grow up. Not just as an employee, but as a person. And I have the chance to meet a lot of beautiful people here and I’m happy with that. And I’m thankful because I feel like this place attracts a lot of beautiful people and they help me in different ways…some with their friendship, some with advice, but all to be the person I am.  I really enjoy it because, to be honest, I’ve been spending a lot of time here. It’s going to be almost a decade now, and I’m thankful because it’s not everywhere you have a chance to meet people…It’s good. I’m happy with that and I’m thankful for that.

 

ZACHARY’S AND CHECK, PLEASE! BAY AREA KID’S EDITION!

We were recently featured on Check, Please! Bay Area Kid’s Edition! What a treat it was to be featured with other great, local restaurants and have these up and coming foodies discuss our Chicago Style stuffed pizza. Celeste holds a special place in our hearts. Besides being a serious Zachary’s fan, she also was a winner of our Zachary’s Art Contest! Thank you to Celeste and Check, Please! for choosing Zachary’s to be featured! You can watch the entire episode below.

 

OAKLAND RESTAURANT WEEK AND ZACHARY’S ON GRAND AVE!

We are excited to announce our recently opened Grand Avenue location will be participating in this year’s Oakland Restaurant Week from January 9th – 20th! Cue the trumpets!!

This is our first year participating in restaurant week and we are excited to showcase our new location and everything it has to offer.  Please join us for lunch or dinner and enjoy delicious, award winning Chicago-Style stuffed and thin crust pizza, flavorful appetizers, and custom-crafted cocktails in our beautiful new location in the Grand Lake neighborhood of Oakland! Don’t forget to snap a pic and tag us with #zacharysORW when you visit!

Our flagship location on College Avenue will not be participating, only our Grand Avenue location.

Please keep in mind we do not accept reservations, seating is first come, first served. Have further questions? We’re happy to answer them, just give us a call or email hello@zacharys.com!

Oakland Restaurant Week Menu/Specials for Zachary’s on Grand Avenue

3917 Grand Ave, Oakland, 94610

(510) 658-3226

Pricing does not include tax or gratuities.  No substitutions or modifications.  

Drink Specials-

  • Choose two cocktails for $10  Cocktail options are: Paloma, Cinnamon Old Fashioned, Grand Lake Mule and Tilden Tea Time.
    • 2 for $10 deal only valid on these four cocktails.
  • Choose any two 16oz pints for $10 (see our Adult Beverage menu in the restaurant for options)

Lunch Special (Monday – Friday, 11am- 4pm only)

  • Personal Stuffed or Thin Crust Zachary’s Favorite Pizza + Lunch Caesar Salad $10

Prix Fixe Meals

  • Small Stuffed OR Medium Thin Zachary’s Favorite Pizza + Entrée Salad $30
  • Small Stuffed OR Medium Thin Zachary’s Favorite Pizza + Entrée Salad + Zachary’s Meatballs $40
  • Large Stuffed OR Extra-Large Thin Zachary’s Favorite Pizza + Entrée Salad $40
  • Large Stuffed OR Extra-Large Thin Zachary’s Favorite Pizza + Entrée Salad + Zachary’s Meatballs $50
  • Large Stuffed OR Extra-Large Thin Zachary’s Favorite Pizza + Entrée Salad + Small Thin Cheese/1 Topping Pizza $50

Two Pizza Combos 

  • Small Stuffed + Small Thin Zachary’s Favorite Pizza $40
  • Medium Stuffed + Medium Thin Zachary’s Favorite Pizza $50
  • Large Stuffed + Large Thin Zachary’s Favorite Pizza $60

Pizzas do not have to be the same Zachary’s Favorite for two pizza combos.

 

ZACHARY’S HOLIDAY PARTY 2019!

We celebrated our annual holiday earlier this month at Scott’s in Jack London Square.  It was a big year for us, and we had a lot to celebrate with the opening of our 5th location on Grand Ave in Oakland! We danced, we ate, we toasted our accomplishments, and most of all, we had a great time! As you can see from our photo booth pics 🙂

 

COMMUNITY FUNDRAISERS AVAILABLE AT GRAND AVE!

Did you know Zachary’s hosts Community Fundraisers, sometimes called Dine-Out Nights, for local schools and organizations? Well, we do! We believe giving back to our local communities is a vital part of being an employee-owned, Bay Area business, and the best way to say thank you for your support!

You can host a community fundraiser at any of our locations, including our newest location on Grand Avenue in Oakland! We offer fundraisers Monday through Thursday, non holiday weeks. You will need to fill out our fundraiser application form and receive confirmation from our Community Outreach Coordinators.  Below is some useful information regarding our fundraisers:

  • We require a minimum three weeks lead time to schedule fundraisers.  This is for staffing purposes.  It’s also for you! The more time you have to promote your fundraiser, the more successful it will be!
  • Fundraisers are held at the location of your choosing, however we do not host fundraisers across multiple locations for the same day/organization.
  • You can order for dine-in or take-out.  You will need to show a flyer (we’ll provide) to your server or host so we know you are with the fundraiser.  It can be a printed copy, or via your mobile device.
  • Third party delivery orders are not eligible for fundraisers.
  • Fundraisers run from the time we open to the time we close. Hours vary by location.
  • Reservations available at select locations based on availability. Please call our San Ramon or Pleasant Hill location to inquire. Our Oakland and Berkeley locations do not offer reservations.
  • Donation amount is based off of the pre-tax subtotal of sales generated by your school or organization.
  • We are an employee-owned company and represent a diverse group of owners (and customers!). Therefore, we do not align ourselves with political organizations or positions. Thank you for your understanding and support.

Please click the link to fill out an application or email, fundraising@zacharys.com for further information.

We look forward to hosting you!

Zachary’s Fundraiser Application

ZACHARY’S CELEBRATES EARTH WEEK WITH PLANT PARTIES

 Our second-annual plant parties were a success!

 

On Sunday, April 14th, Zachary’s hosted free Plant Parties for the communities outside of our Solano and Pleasant Hill locations. We began the tradition last year at the Solano parklet, and had so much fun we decided to include Pleasant Hill this spring.

Long time employee owner and plant enthusiast Suzanne Hill enjoyed the sunshine outside of our Solano Avenue location giving away an array of beautiful potted succulents and other plants to members of the community strolling by (who also sipped on cucumber water and noshed on some pizza snacks).

The employee owners of Pleasant Hill went in a DIY direction for their Pant Party, opting to let participants dig in the dirt and put together plants in adorable mini Zachary’s themed pots.

Thank you to all of the employee owners and community members who helped us celebrate the warmer days ahead and Mother Earth!

Keep an eye out for our next round of Plant Parties, coming this Fall!

ZACHARY’S X OAKLANDISH!

We are super excited about this one! We’ve teamed up with our friends over at Oaklandish for a special edition t-shirt! And (because why stop there), 10% of sales will be donated to the Fred Finch Youth Center. Fred Finch is an amazing organization doing really inspirational work in Oakland and throughout California!

Based in Oakland, California, Fred Finch Youth Center works with young people facing multiple challenges, including homelessness, economic disadvantage, mental health and cognitive disabilities, and histories of significant trauma and loss. Committed to the notion that no one is without hope, no matter how desperate their circumstances may appear, Fred Finch offers programs in education, independent living services, housing and mental heath to provide a pathway to healing and self-sufficiency. Their 128 year history and strong track record have made Fred Finch Youth Center a recognized leader in the treatment of children and families.

For more info you can visit their website at www.fredfinch.org

These limited edition collaboration shirts are available at any Zachary’s location, as well as the flagship Oaklandish store on Broadway in downtown Oakland, and online at Oaklandish.com.