KUKAR'S HOUSE OF PIZZA

In 1950, George Kukar and his brother built a two-story, 40x40 foot building at 395 Almaden Ave in hopes of opening a deli shop. His brother changed his mind, so George Kukar had to come up with another plan. Lorraine Riddle was hired to run the kitchen while George Kukar entertained locals at the bar. Thus, Kukar's House of Pizza was born. Armed with a World War II army surplus oven, the two would continue working together over the next thirty-five years. In the beginning, George Kukar worked at San Jose Steel during the day and the restaurant at night to pay the bills. After seven years, the restaurant was able to hold its own and Kukar's House of Pizza was here to stay. In 1976, the City of San Jose wanted to expand Almaden Ave. onto the land where the House of Pizza was located. To keep the restaurant going, the building was moved 75 feet to accommodate the new street. It still held the address of 395 Almaden Ave. In 1985, the future of Kukar's House of Pizza was threatened again..

Primary location: San Jose United States