In ‘a shock,’ Tacoma-area pizzeria closes after 17 years. A new one has taken its place

Steph’s Pizza in University Place has closed after 17 years. In its stead, Pizza Pizazz, which also operates restaurants in Lakewood and Federal Way, has opened.

Steph’s served its last pies from 5510 Orchard St. W. on Sept. 25. Two days later, the business officially broke the news on Facebook.

“I know this is a shock to you, as it was to the staff, but we want to thank all of you from the bottom of our hearts for letting us serve you for the last 17 years,” the post read.

Commentors lamented the loss of their neighborhood pizza joint, with mentions of first meals in new homes and first jobs as teenagers. Some also noted the shop’s calzones and cannolis.

Stephanie Matison opened her namesake pizzeria in 2006 on the border of University Place and Tacoma, where 56th Street becomes Cirque Drive. According to state business filings, it changed hands in 2021 to Candice Rambo.

Requests for comment from both parties were not immediately returned.

Pizza Pizazz debuted in University Place on Monday, Oct. 2.

Reached by phone, owner Bernard Dolan said he had been scouting for a second Pierce County location, preferring an existing pizza place.

“We were looking to expand our footprint, and this was the one that made the most sense to acquire,” Dolan said.

The menu mirrors that of the Lakewood shop, which opened in 2008. Dolan purchased it and the Federal Way restaurant, open since 1998, about two years ago.

Thirteen house pizzas, such as the flagship with double pepperoni, cheddar, mozzarella and parmesan and a chicken deluxe with garlic-ranch sauce, bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes and red onions, start around $18 for a 10-inch small to $30 for an 18-inch “mondo.” All told, pizzas come in five sizes, with medium, large and jumbo in the middle.

Pizza rolls are a big draw. Available in orders of a half or full dozen ($9.99-$16.99), they are stuffed with your choice of seven cheesy fillings and served with ranch or marinara.

Other options include wings ($14.49 for 10 or $25.49 for 20), hot subs like a meatball or Italian ($9.99), a few pastas ($12.99) and salads ($8-$13).

PIZZA PIZAZZ

▪ 5510 Orchard St. W, University Place, pizzapizazz.net

▪ Sunday-Thursday 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

▪ Details: local pizza shop expands to third location; pickup/delivery only, order by phone or online

This story was originally published October 6, 2023 at 5:15 AM.