Canadian pizza restaurant opens its first American location — in Fresno. Here’s why
A Canadian pizza place has opened its first location in the U.S. — and it chose Fresno.
Pizza 64 opened in December at Sommerville Drive and Perrin Avenue in northeast Fresno. The restaurant will celebrate its grand opening at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 8.
It specializes in American, Indian and Mexican-inspired pizza.
With 27 locations in Canada, this is the first in America. The concept is essentially the same as it is in Canada, with a couple of adjustments — including one size-related — for American appetites.
It took over a former Dominion’s Pizza location, partner/franchisee Gurwinder Singh said.
“The reason we chose Fresno is because of the diverse community, the Indian community, the Latino community,” he said. “Our pizza is like a fusion food.”
Pizza 64 menu
You can find all the standard pizzas here, such as pepperoni, meat lovers or veggie.
But the menu also has several Indian pizzas, including butter chicken and tandoori chicken. Another is called Passion of India, and made with shahi paneer, a firm Indian cheese in sauce.
Many of the pizzas are vegetarian (though not vegan yet). Pizza 64 also offers gluten-free crust.
“The main reason we’re popular is the variety of vegetarian food, which includes the ... paneer,” Singh said.
There’s also a Mexican taco pizza on the menu, made with beef, tomatoes, lettuce, sour cream and salsa.
Lasagna is available too, with meat sauce, chicken or vegetables.
Pizza 64 is not the first to bring Indian pizzas to town.
Locally owned Curry Pizza Company has locations on West Shaw Avenue and in northeast Fresno. Franchised Chicago’s Pizza With a Twist has three locations in Fresno and Clovis.
Pizza 64 is planning more locations in the area, Singh said: “Definitely going to be expanding more in Fresno and beyond, Visalia. We’re in talks in Tracy, too.”
Canadian or American size?
Pizza 64 is based in Surrey, near Vancouver, British Columbia.
The name stems from the very first location of the restaurant, which is on 64th Avenue.
It didn’t take a lot of changes to bring the menu to an American audience, Singh said. Mostly, they need to stop calling their drinks “pop” and say soda instead.
But one big difference?
They added an extra-large size pizza. The family-size 16-inch pizza isn’t available in Canada.
“Up north it’s only 14 inches, which is the standard large we have,” he said. “We’re definitely integrating the family size 16-inch pie” in the U.S.
Details
Pizza 64 is at 9525 N. Sommerville Drive. Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Delivery is available via its website, pizza64menu.com.
This story was originally published March 7, 2023 at 10:50 AM.
