DETROIT-STYLE PIZZAS AND COCKTAILS MAKE A BIG SPLASH ON THE EMBARCADERO
Brothers Jesse and Joshua Jacobs of Joyride Pizza are all-in on Detroit-style pies, and now they’re launching their biggest venture yet — the siblings will open the flagship location of their burgeoning pie empire at Pier 1 next to the Ferry Building, starting Thursday, July 4.
It’s the latest opening for the fast-expanding pizza business, which began in 2021 after the brothers’ successful stint running Samovar Tea Lounge in San Francisco. Joyride Pizza has grown exponentially in its three years, opening standalone locations and partnering with breweries such as Barebottle Brew Co. and Gilman Brewing to bring their brand of pizzas to new corners of the Bay Area. Yet, the Pier 1 location is meant to be different. The brothers are betting big on downtown’s revitalization, supplying not just pizzas, salads, and drinks to the waterfront, but also (eventually) expanded restaurant hours for the neighborhood. “The concept is Joyride Pizza all day, from early morning to late night,” Jesse Jacobs says. “Comfort food, artisan-caliber Bay Area cuisine, wrapped up in an accessible, affordable presentation in-house, or on the go for the whole family.”
All of the Joyride Pizza favorites are at this new location, and the brothers slowly added new flavors to their menu in recent months, in anticipation of the big Pier 1 launch. There are hit tracks such as the Sweet Heat Pineapple — which earned the Joyride team fifth place in a national pan pizza competition, Jesse Jacobs shares — and the bacon- and mushroom-loaded Bacon Me Crazy or Eat Your Veggies, their vegetarian pizza. But newer pies will shine just as bright such as a Greek option with artichoke hearts and olives and will share the pizza stage. But also new to this menu is a thin-crust option for every pie where “basically everything is the same, but the crust is less thick” making for a lighter pizza option, Joshua Jacobs shares. Diners can also order a dairy- or gluten-free dough pizza, as well. But the pies will all come with that signature frico-like, caramelized cheese crust along the edge, with a cheese topping guaranteed to adhere to the dough. “We think of it like pizza architecture,” Joshua Jacobs says, “building the whole thing together from the focaccia up.”
There’s an expansive menu beyond the pizzas, as well. Tater tots are another fixture of Joyride, with the option of five dipping sauces (marinara, pesto, barbecue, hot honey, and ranch). But diners will get a chance to load tots up with available pizza toppings, including cheese, pepperoni, and even Brussels sprouts if you want. “Be creative with it,” Joshua Jacobs says, “it’s all possible.” Five salads are also available, including an arugula and blue cheese option and a classic Caesar, perfect for those jogging along the Embarcadero who prefer a healthy bite. New to Joyride is the inclusion of breakfast — launching in the upcoming weeks — which Jesse Jacobs describes as a “breakfast kit” featuring an omelet, tater tots, Andytown coffee, and fresh-squeezed orange juice. The team will also introduce Italian ice and buffalo milk soft serve to the Embarcadero and the brothers are kicking around topping ideas such as blondie bar crumbles or olive oil with Maldon sea salt flakes.
Beverages will keep the good times flowing with house Negronis, spritzes, and a full cocktail menu. Joyride will also have local beer and wine options, such as brews from Barebottle and wines from Hobo Wine Company in Sonoma County. It’s a simple, but good alcohol menu, Jesse Jacobs says of the selections. For nonalcoholic options, the brothers have artisan sodas and kombucha on hand and are currently looking into no-ABV beers and wines to add to the drink menu in the future.
The debut of the Pier 1 location is a defining moment for the brothers, even as they continue opening new locations including an upcoming spot in the Marina. “We’re thrilled to be part of the resurgence of life and economy in San Francisco,” Jesse Jacobs says, “and specifically to be part of the burgeoning neighborhood that is blowing up around the pier. It’s an honor to be at Pier 1.”
Joyride Pizza (Pier 1) debuts on Thursday, July 4, and will be open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Hours of operation may vary slightly during opening weeks.
2024-07-03T21:35:00Z dg43tfdfdgfd
