Local pizzeria honored as a top small business
HOLTVILLE – One of Imperial Valley’s most popular pizza joints was honored Oct. 21 when Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia, D-Coachella, recognized it as the Small Business of the Year for the 56th California State Assembly District.
The family-owned restaurant, founded in 1991, is a past winner in this newspaper’s Readers’ Choice competitions and has caught the attention of movie stars such as John Travolta over the years.
Garcia visited the restaurant in person to congratulate owners Blanca Estrada and George McClure. The family even allowed him to don an apron and pick up a few of their savory secrets.
“It is my privilege to honor George’s Pizza, a family-owned and operated Holtville restaurant, as our Small Business of the Year,” Garcia said. “Small businesses are the pillars of our Imperial Valley community, and I have many fond memories of visiting this local staple regularly as a teen. I am excited that they have passed on their passion for pizza, signature recipes, and love of business for the next generation to continue.”
Aside from making award-winning pizza, Estrada and McClure have been generous supporters of local schools and public safety, according to a release from Garcia’s office. The family has hopes of expanding, bringing their signature pizzas to additional locations in Imperial Valley.
Every year the California Small Business Association collaborates with state legislators to nominate small businesses from their districts as honorees for an annual California Small Business Day awards luncheon held in Sacramento, typically during the month of June. Although the global health pandemic prevented the association from holding their annual event, Garcia said he was determined to find a special and safe way to recognize George’s Pizza. He had billboards placed commemorating the restaurant’s feat on the southeast corner of State Route 111 and Evan Hewes Highway.
“As a community, it is extremely important that we stand by our small businesses, especially during these challenging times when they need our support more than ever,” he said.
Due to this year’s unique circumstances, George’s Pizza will have the distinct honor of holding the title of Small Business of the Year for 2020 as well as 2021.