News Summary
Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza Store in Newport Beach has been recognized as the #1 Family Restaurant in California and #11 in the U.S. by Yelp. The award is based on user reviews highlighting family-friendliness and reflects the restaurant’s inviting atmosphere and delicious food. With multiple locations and a commitment to community initiatives, including fundraising for local charities, the restaurant exemplifies a family-oriented dining experience. Co-owner Jeff Roberts celebrates this accolade as a testament to their dedication to serving families with love and quality.
Newport Beach – Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza Store has been honored as the #1 Family Restaurant in California and #11 Best Family Restaurant in the U.S. by Yelp, recognition announced in May 2025. This accolade is part of Yelp’s annual national compilation that showcases family-favorite dining spots across the country.
Yelp’s selection process involved analyzing user reviews that prominently included the term “family-friendly.” The results were based on both the quantity and quality of these favorable mentions. Established in 1976, Sgt. Pepperoni’s has become renowned for its motto of “serving up peace, love, and pizza.”
The achievement reflects the restaurant’s inviting atmosphere, fun setting, and reputation for consistently delicious food. Sgt. Pepperoni’s operates three locations, including Newport Beach, Aliso Viejo, and Irvine. Each restaurant features large-screen TVs, arcade areas for children, and outdoor patios that cater to families of all sizes.
Co-owner Jeff Roberts has expressed immense gratitude for receiving this recognition, attributing the success to the dedicated efforts and enthusiastic service of the restaurant’s team. The owners maintain that their philosophy revolves around the belief that pizza has the unique ability to bring families together, and they see the accolade as a testament to the families they serve.
Sgt. Pepperoni’s pride itself on being a scratch kitchen, preparing fresh dough, pizza sauce, and hand-grating cheese daily with high-quality ingredients. Its recipes are steeped in tradition, hailing from Long Island, New York, demonstrating a commitment to authenticity and flavor.
The restaurant is locally owned by childhood friends who focus on fostering a sense of community, family, and friendship. Its commitment to giving back is evident through various initiatives, including fundraising for local schools and organizations. Over the past thirteen years, Sgt. Pepperoni’s has contributed more than $1 million to multiple charities and local initiatives.
One notable outreach program supports Julian’s Lego Corner at CHOC, aimed at assisting hospitalized children. Inspired by Julian Dunn, a former patient who found happiness playing with Legos during cancer treatment, the initiative began with a lemonade stand spearheaded by Lauren Roberts, a friend of Julian.
To continue supporting Julian’s Lego Corner, Sgt. Pepperoni’s incorporates sales from special desserts into their fundraising efforts. In September, 100% of proceeds from their Pizza of the Month will also be directed towards this initiative. Last year, the restaurant successfully raised $35,000 and collected 100 Lego kits, and this year aims to exceed $50,000 in donations.
The support from Lauren Roberts’ younger sisters ensures the legacy of helping children in treatment continues, emphasizing the community’s unified effort to provide love and support to those in need. Through its operations and outreach, Sgt. Pepperoni’s represents more than just a restaurant; it embodies a commitment to family and community bonding through the universal joy of pizza.
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Additional Resources
- Newport Beach Independent
- Google Search: Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza
- Orange County Register
- Wikipedia: Pizza
- Los Angeles Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pizza
- Irvine Standard
- Google News: Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza California
