Square Pan Pizza: Where Did It Go?

Square Pan Pizza Co. was a pizza chain based in San Diego, California, with locations mostly inside shopping malls in Southern California and a few independent restaurants. The chain was bought by Sbarro in the early '90s, and there is little information available about it online. However, some people reminisce about the 'Square Deal' and Square Meal Deal, which included two slices of pizza, a salad, and a drink for a very affordable price. Square pan pizzas are still available from other companies, and there are also recipes for making your own dough and baking it at home.

Square Pan Pizza Co. was a chain based in San Diego

Square Pan Pizza Co. was a pizza chain based in San Diego, California. It was founded by Gregg Motsenbocker and had locations mostly inside shopping malls in Southern California, with a few independent restaurants as well. The chain was known for its square-shaped pizza, which was a unique selling point.

The company had a significant presence in the 1970s and 1980s, with many customers recollecting their experiences during that time. The "Square Deal" or "Square Meal Deal" was a popular combo that included two slices of pepperoni pizza, a salad, and a drink for a very affordable price. The chain also offered subs and sandwiches, and its special creamy Italian salad dressing was a favourite among customers.

Former employees and patrons of Square Pan Pizza Co. reminisce about the good times they had working there and the delicious food. The company also seemed to have a strong culture of taking care of its employees, with one person recalling the huge Christmas party the company threw for its staff.

However, in the early 1990s, Square Pan Pizza Co. was sold to Sbarro, another pizza chain. This sale resulted in the replacement of Square Pan Pizza Co.'s menu items, logos, and other branded elements with those of Sbarro. Despite the change in ownership, the legacy of Square Pan Pizza Co. lives on in the memories of those who enjoyed its food and worked there.

The company was bought out by Sbarro in the early '90s

The company Square Pan Pizza Co., a chain based in San Diego, was bought out by Sbarro in the early 1990s. Square Pan Pizza Co. was mostly located inside shopping malls in Southern California, but also had a few independent restaurants.

Sbarro, LLC is an American fast-food restaurant chain that specialises in New York-style pizza and other Italian-American cuisine. It was founded in 1956 by Gennaro and Carmela Sbarro, an Italian couple who immigrated to Brooklyn, New York. They opened their first Italian grocery store in Bensonhurst, which became popular for its fresh food.

In the mid-1960s, the Sbarros opened a second location that focused on pizza, as Carmela "Mama" Sbarro's pizza was a hit with shift workers walking by. In 1970, the company opened its first mall-based restaurant in Brooklyn's Kings Plaza Shopping Center, which was, at the time, New York City's first large regional shopping center. This was a strategic move that allowed the company to expand and open locations across the country.

By the early 1990s, Sbarro had acquired Square Pan Pizza Co., which had stores in malls in California and Texas. It is not clear from sources whether Sbarro kept the Square Pan Pizza Co. branding or replaced it with Sbarro branding. However, it seems likely that Sbarro replaced Square Pan Pizza Co.'s branding, menu items, logos, etc., as they did with other acquired companies.

Sbarro continued to expand and, in 1985, vice president Joe Sbarro stated that "Sbarro's dream is to be another McDonald's." The company went public that year, and its growth seemed promising. However, Sbarro's success became tied to mall culture, and when the "days of 'going to the mall'" started to decline in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the company's fortunes began to change.

Sbarro filed for bankruptcy twice in the 2010s and closed hundreds of stores. The company attempted a rebrand and turnaround plan, but it is unclear how successful this was. As of 2016, Sbarro had 318 locations in the US, less than half of what they had 12 years earlier.

The pizza was served in malls and independent restaurants

Square Pan Pizza Co. was a chain based in San Diego, California. The chain was owned by Gregg Motsenbocker and had locations inside shopping malls in Southern California, as well as a few independent restaurants. The chain was particularly popular in the 1970s and 1980s, with many customers recalling fond memories of eating there as children or teenagers.

The chain was known for its affordable prices and combo deals, such as the "Square Deal" or "Square Meal Deal", which typically included two slices of pepperoni pizza, a salad, and a drink for a low price. The pizza was also available by the slice, with customers reporting that they enjoyed the pizza's taste. In addition to pizza, the chain offered subs and sandwiches, which also proved popular with customers.

One of the unique features of Square Pan Pizza Co. was its special creamy Italian salad dressing, which was used not only on salads but also on subs. The chain also had a loyal employee base, with some staff members recalling fond memories of working there and the company's generous Christmas parties.

Despite its popularity, Square Pan Pizza Co. appears to have been sold to the Sbarro chain in the early 1990s. Former customers and employees alike express disappointment over the change, with some speculating that the pizza quality declined under the new ownership.

The popular Square Deal was a combo meal

Former employees and customers of Square Pan Pizza Co. reminisce about the restaurant, recalling the "Square Deal" or "Square Meal Deal" as a popular and affordable combo meal. They also fondly remember the special creamy Italian salad dressing used in the salads and subs.

The company threw a huge Christmas party for employees

The company threw a huge Christmas party for its employees. It was a time for celebration and joy, with decorations adorning the office space and festive music filling the air. The party was a way for the company to show its appreciation for its hardworking staff and to spread holiday cheer.

The event was meticulously planned, with every detail carefully considered to ensure a memorable experience for all. The venue was transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, sparkling ornaments, and a towering Christmas tree. As employees arrived, they were greeted by the warm and inviting atmosphere, their faces lighting up with excitement and anticipation.

An array of delicious food was prepared, with a special emphasis on the company's signature square pan pizzas. The pizzas were a staple of the party, reminding everyone of the hard work and dedication that went into building the business. Waiters circulated with trays of freshly baked slices, each topped with melted cheese and a variety of mouthwatering toppings.

In addition to the delectable food, there were also fun activities and entertainment. A live band performed holiday classics, encouraging employees to sing along and dance the night away. There were games and contests, with prizes awarded to the winners. Employees showcased their hidden talents, with some performing skits and songs, while others displayed their artistic creations.

The Christmas party served as a reminder of the sense of community and camaraderie within the company. It was a night filled with laughter, conversation, and the forging of new bonds. Employees mingled and shared stories, creating lasting memories with their colleagues. The event brought everyone closer together, strengthening the sense of family within the organization.

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