Greer's OC

Johnny’s Real New York Pizza is celebrating the grand opening of its third location on Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Quail Hill Shopping Center in Irvine with a fun event and fundraiser for the Irvine Public Schools Foundation (IPSF)

You can stop by and be entertained with music, a balloon artist and face painter, and enjoy samples of Johnny’s pizza as well as other signature items. Visitors will have the opportunity to win Johnny’s Real New York Pizza t-shirts and hats, as well as numerous $10 gift cards. One lucky winner will receive one free large pizza of their choice each month for a year!

In addition, Johnny’s will donate a portion of sales from the day, from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m., to IPSF. The non-profit organization supports programs and raises funds that benefit all schools in Irvine.

Founded by New York native Johnny Younesi, Johnny’s is known for its large slices of authentic New York pizza made with the highest quality and freshest ingredients. Unlike most other pizzerias, Johnny’s makes its dough, sauce, meatballs and Bolognese fresh daily. Younesi says Johnny’s pizza is also special since its water filtration system replicates New York’s soft water, helping to create the perfect dough. The pizzeria also uses original recipes from New York, which were being made in Sicily just two generations ago.

The menu features signature pizzas, including the Fontaine (pepperoni, mozzarella and tomato sauce), the Andolini (house made meatballs, Genoa salami, sweet Italian sausage, fresh herbs, mozzarella and tomato sauce), the Solattzo (fresh mushrooms, olives, onions, bell peppers, artichokes, mozzarella and tomato sauce), and others, as well as an array of fresh toppings to create a customized New York-style pie.

Johnny’s also has classic house made Penne Bolognese, Spaghetti with housemade meatballs, and hearty sandwiches such as Meatball Parmesan, Chicken Parmesan, Eggplant Parmesan, and Johnny’s Authentic New York Sloppy Joe, made with its Bolognese.

Meals can be accompanied by Johnny’s Famous House Salad (romaine, hearts of palm artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, mortadella, mozzarella, Genoa salami, Kalamata olives, baby corn and pepperoncinis), a Classic Caesar (romaine, housemade croutons, shaved parmesan and Johnny’s own Caesar dressing) and more.

Appetizers include Johnny’s Hot Wings, Sicilian Style Fries (tossed with Italian spices, garlic, olive oil), New York Style Fries (thick-cut New York-style street fries), Garlic Knots and Authentic Italian Mozzarella Sticks. Cinnamon knots can complete a meal on a sweet note. Johnny’s serves select wine and beer, including Italian favorite, Peroni.

Open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

6721 Quail Hill Parkway, off Sand Canyon/ Shady Canyon in Irvine. The restaurant will begin delivery on January 10 within a five mile radius.

To place an order or for more information, call 949.823.1900 or visit johnnysrealnypizza.com.