Our History
Village Host Pizza & Grill
Back in 1962..
the Village Host Pizza & Grill opened it’s doors with a purpose. Back in this era, eating out involved dressing "appropriately" and donning the best table manners. At the time, we envisioned a place that gave much more freedom to enjoy your version of a good time. We wanted a desirable menu and a laid back environment that can host virtually any gathering a given community can throw at us. No waiters that you needed to "wait on". Tables and chairs that could be moved around according to the dynamics of your party. A place where you’d have a tasty slice in one hand while raising a cold drink in celebration of.. anything.
Through out the years, we’ve learned a whole lot about what it means to achieve a vision. We learned that making our very own buttermilk salad dressing in the kitchen really lifts our salads up to a new level. We discovered that roasting our turkey meat fresh made the difference in our sandwiches. We learned that while cooking every order fresh may take longer, it generates a level of quality that locals will come to love. Over 60 years later, we’ve been fortunate to further our mission of quality and community to numerous townships beyond our original location.
The host
THE HOST ON THE COAST
Aptos
Nested at the south end of Santa Cruz county lies a beautiful collection of communities which are the village of Aptos. It’s namesake “the people” was derived from the native Ohlone indians who inhabited the area for thousands of years prior to the19th century population boom. From the trails of Nisene Marks State Park to the sands at Seacliff State Beach, Aptos has become northern one of California’s best kept secrets.
For nearly 30 years we have served local families & friends with a sizable location that resides just a few feet from the beautiful beaches of Aptos. Our store includes a small beer & wine bar, a small arcade for the kids, and a daily glimpse of the setting sun over the Pacific Ocean. Memorable moments include the hosting of the 2002 Aptos Little League following their come from behind win to take the West Regional Title in the little league world series.
ANOTHER HOST ON THE COAST
Capitola
For thousands of years, people have come to love what is today called Capitola largely due to unique beauty of it’s landscape. The beaches of Capitola offer the smooth sands and cool mists brought in at the mouth of Soquel Creek matched by a sheltered pacific cove under the hot California sun. There is little wonder why early pioneers developed what was once called Soquel Landing into a resort destination with a drawing vacationers from all over.
Up the road from Capitola Beach, towards the main artery of highway 1 lies our Capitola location. This quaint location offers our standard menu including beer & wine and also a small outdoor eating area. Memorable moments include being voted in 2018 by Good Times as a one of the best pizza restaurants in Santa Cruz County.
The HOST IN THE HILLS
Belmont
Belmont, located twenty three miles from San Francisco and on the Southern Pacific Railroad and the state highway, is one of the most attractive sections of San Mateo County. The name Belmont is taken from the French (Belle Mont-beautiful hill) and the hills to the west of town certainly entitle the settlement to its name.
Roughly 42 years after the city Belmont was incorporated, Village Host Pizza & Grill was established in the geological heart of the city limits. For decades we have been a community anchor supporting schools & local organizations, while employing many of locals that were fortunate to call Belmont their home. Our location offers beer & wine bar, small arcade for the kids, movable tables to accommodate any party, in addition to an expanded menu including New York steak sandwiches, pasta and other items.
THE OG HOST
Burlingame
Burlingame is located 20 miles south of San Francisco on the San Francisco Peninsula. It was founded in the late 19th century by wealthy investors from San Francisco whose inspiration came from the City Beautiful movement championed by Frederick Olmsteadt, the designer of New York’s Central Park.
Just beyond the famous Broadway Burlingame sign, a neon sign welcomes the community to the first Village Host Pizza & Grill ever to be established. Since the beginning our location has remained at the same location and employed thousands of locals making it landmark for generations of families. Our 3,000 sq foot location offers movable tables, private booths, a small arcade for the kids, and a sit down bar serving wine & a variety of draught beers. Memorable moments include the 1994 Broadway avenue fire which completely devastated our store. We received overwhelming community support during and following the fire which furthered our purpose to continue to be an asset for the community.
