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SAN DIEGO, California (Sept. 2, 2026) – Mr. Moto Pizza, the San Diego-based purveyor of New York City-style gourmet pizza, has announced the opening of its fourth Orange County location. Situated within the bustling Oak Creek Shopping Center at 5613 Alton Parkway in the City of Irvine, the new establishment takes over the former premises of Brooklyn’s Finest Pizza. This strategic expansion marks Mr. Moto Pizza’s second presence in Irvine and its eleventh operational unit across the brand’s rapidly growing footprint.
The latest opening at Oak Creek underscores a period of aggressive expansion for Mr. Moto Pizza, particularly within the affluent Orange County market. This newest Irvine location joins an existing Irvine outpost at The Square shopping center, which debuted in October 2025. The brand’s Orange County portfolio also includes a unit in The Village at Orange, which commenced operations in December 2025, and a Costa Mesa location that opened its doors in February of the current year. This rapid succession of four Orange County openings within an eleven-month timeframe highlights a focused and successful market penetration strategy.
The Genesis of Mr. Moto Pizza: A Founder’s Vision
Mr. Moto Pizza is the brainchild of Gibran Fernandez, who embodies the "Mr. Moto" persona and vision. Founded in 2015, the brand’s journey began with its inaugural storefront in Pacific Beach, a vibrant coastal community in San Diego. From these humble beginnings, Fernandez has meticulously cultivated a brand recognized for its commitment to authentic New York-style pizza, characterized by a specific dough preparation process and a dedication to high-quality ingredients. The foundational philosophy centered on replicating the quintessential New York pizza experience, known for its thin, foldable crust, robust sauces, and premium toppings, adapting it for the Southern California palate while retaining its traditional essence.
Fernandez’s dedication to quality is evident in the meticulous crafting of Mr. Moto’s pizza dough, a process that spans over 48 hours. This extended fermentation period is crucial for developing the dough’s complex flavor profile and achieving the desired texture: a fluffy, airy border known as the ‘cornicione,’ complemented by a perfectly crispy bottom. This attention to detail differentiates Mr. Moto in a competitive pizza market, appealing to connoisseurs and casual diners alike who appreciate an elevated pizza experience.
Strategic Expansion and Market Reception
The strategic push into Orange County reflects a calculated effort to tap into one of Southern California’s most desirable and economically robust regions. Orange County, with its high median household income, dense population centers, and a sophisticated consumer base, presents an ideal environment for upscale fast-casual dining concepts. The positive reception in Orange County has been a significant driver for Mr. Moto’s accelerated growth.
Gibran Fernandez himself acknowledged this favorable environment, stating, “Orange County has welcomed us with open arms, and Irvine has truly become a second home to us. We are proud to serve our neighbors with a unique combination of flavors and outstanding quality, along with our famous stuffed knots.” This statement encapsulates the brand’s dual commitment to culinary excellence and community integration, crucial factors for sustained success in new markets. The decision to open a second location in Irvine, a city known for its meticulous urban planning and discerning residents, further solidifies the brand’s confidence in the market’s capacity to support multiple Mr. Moto establishments.
The brand’s overall growth trajectory has been impressive, with the recent grand opening of its University Towne Center (UTC) store on Saturday, bringing the total San Diego locations to seven. This parallel expansion in its home market alongside aggressive Orange County growth demonstrates a scalable business model and strong brand resonance across diverse Southern California communities.
Irvine: A Dynamic Culinary Hub
The City of Irvine represents a particularly attractive market for a brand like Mr. Moto Pizza. Known for its master-planned communities, robust business parks, and a highly educated population, Irvine boasts a vibrant culinary scene. The city’s demographics, characterized by a significant number of families and young professionals, align well with Mr. Moto’s target demographic, which values both quality and convenience.
Irvine’s economic indicators consistently rank among the strongest in California, supporting a consumer base with substantial disposable income. This economic stability translates into a willingness to spend on quality dining experiences, making it a fertile ground for premium fast-casual concepts. Furthermore, Irvine’s continuous population growth and ongoing commercial development ensure a steady influx of potential customers for businesses located within its various shopping centers.
The Oak Creek Shopping Center, where the new Mr. Moto Pizza is located, is a well-established retail hub serving a densely populated residential area. Its accessibility and existing foot traffic provide a strong foundation for the new pizzeria. The decision to take over a space previously occupied by another pizza establishment, Brooklyn’s Finest Pizza, could be viewed as a strategic move. This not only benefits from existing infrastructure but also potentially inherits a customer base already accustomed to visiting the location for pizza, allowing Mr. Moto to seamlessly integrate into the local dining landscape with minimal disruption to consumer habits.
The Mr. Moto Culinary Experience: Beyond the Slice
Mr. Moto Pizza’s menu is designed to cater to a wide array of preferences, offering both traditional and innovative takes on New York-style pizza. The core of the offering revolves around a series of meticulously crafted pizzas, categorized into "red pies" and "white pies," providing distinct flavor profiles.
The red pies, featuring a classic tomato-based sauce, include popular options such as "The Hulk," a meat lover’s dream loaded with pepperoni, bacon, ham, and sausage. These pies appeal to those who appreciate robust, savory flavors and generous toppings. In contrast, the white pies offer a lighter, often richer alternative, utilizing a base without tomato sauce. An example is the "Smoky Greens," which combines fresh spinach, creamy ricotta cheese, aromatic garlic, and a sweet balsamic glaze, creating a sophisticated and balanced taste.
Beyond these specialty pizzas, Mr. Moto provides guests the flexibility to "build their own pies," allowing for complete customization from a selection of fresh ingredients. This bespoke option caters to individual preferences and dietary needs, further enhancing the customer experience. A cornerstone of the Mr. Moto experience is the constant availability of slices, a true homage to the grab-and-go culture of New York City pizzerias. This option makes Mr. Moto an ideal spot for a quick lunch, a casual snack, or an impromptu dinner.
A standout offering that has garnered significant acclaim is the brand’s "famous stuffed knots." These delectable garlic knots, often filled with cheese or other savory ingredients, represent a unique twist on a classic pizzeria side dish and have become a signature item for the brand.
To provide value and variety, Mr. Moto Pizza features a "Family Special," an attractive package priced at $49.99. This special includes one large specialty pizza, a choice of either a House or Caesar salad, one pasta dish, and four garlic knots, making it an economical and comprehensive meal solution for families or small groups.
Innovation is also a key ingredient in Mr. Moto’s menu development, exemplified by its "Pizza of the Month" program. For September and October, the featured pizza is "The Extraordinary Chicklet," an imaginative creation combining chicken sausage, spicy jalapeños, crispy onion, and creamy buffalo ricotta. This rotating special keeps the menu fresh and encourages repeat visits as customers anticipate new flavor combinations.
Beyond pizza, the menu extends to other Italian-American comfort foods, including savory chicken wings, hearty calzones, and generously filled stromboli. A small selection of desserts rounds out the meal, providing a sweet conclusion to the dining experience.
Economic and Community Impact
The opening of a new Mr. Moto Pizza location contributes positively to the local economy and community in multiple ways. Firstly, it generates new employment opportunities, from kitchen staff and counter personnel to management roles, providing jobs for Irvine residents and those in surrounding communities. This influx of jobs helps stimulate local spending and supports household incomes.
Secondly, a popular eatery like Mr. Moto Pizza enhances the vibrancy of the Oak Creek Shopping Center. Increased foot traffic generated by the pizzeria can spill over to other businesses within the center, benefiting neighboring retail stores and service providers. This symbiotic relationship fosters a more dynamic commercial environment.
Furthermore, new businesses contribute to the local tax base through sales taxes and potentially property taxes, which in turn fund public services and infrastructure projects in the City of Irvine. By offering a diverse and high-quality dining option, Mr. Moto Pizza also enriches the culinary landscape of Irvine, providing residents with more choices and contributing to the city’s reputation as a desirable place to live and dine. The brand’s commitment to quality and community engagement also helps foster a sense of local pride and belonging among its patrons.
Broader Industry Trends and Future Trajectory
Mr. Moto Pizza’s rapid expansion aligns with several overarching trends in the fast-casual dining industry. The demand for "better pizza," characterized by artisanal ingredients, unique flavor combinations, and a focus on quality over speed alone, continues to grow. Consumers are increasingly seeking dining experiences that offer the convenience of fast-casual but with the elevated taste and ambiance typically associated with full-service restaurants. Mr. Moto’s emphasis on a 48-hour dough process and gourmet toppings positions it squarely within this premium segment.
The multi-unit growth strategy employed by Mr. Moto Pizza is also a common characteristic of successful restaurant brands seeking to achieve economies of scale and broader market penetration. By expanding systematically across key geographical areas like Orange County and San Diego, Mr. Moto is building brand recognition and operational efficiencies. The resilience of the pizza segment, even during economic fluctuations, further supports such expansion, as pizza remains a universally popular and often affordable meal choice.
Looking ahead, the trajectory for Mr. Moto Pizza appears robust. With a proven concept, a strong founder at the helm, and a successful track record of rapid, strategic expansion, the brand is well-positioned for continued growth. The ability to maintain product consistency and customer service excellence across multiple locations will be paramount to its sustained success. As the brand solidifies its presence in Southern California, it may explore further regional expansion or even national opportunities, building on its reputation for authentic New York-style gourmet pizza.
Operational Details and Accessibility
Mr. Moto Pizza at Oak Creek Shopping Center is open daily, providing consistent service from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. This schedule accommodates various dining needs, from lunch to late dinner. For those looking to stay connected and updated on new menu items, specials, or upcoming locations, Mr. Moto Pizza maintains an active presence on social media platforms.
Customers can follow the brand on Instagram at instagram.com/mrmotopizza and on Facebook at facebook.com/MrMotoPizza. These platforms serve as vital channels for community engagement, offering a glimpse into the brand’s culture and culinary innovations, and reinforcing its commitment to its growing customer base.
