You get out
what you put in.
In life, in work, in pizza, it’s always the same. Good stuff in, good stuff out! That’s our philosophy in a nutshell. Good ingredients, good people, good vibes. We don’t cut corners, we don’t half-ass anything. We put all that we’ve got into all that we do.
Chef Mike Ortiz
Meet Our Founders
Born and raised in a vibrant south Los Angeles community, cherished childhood memories contain a fusion of gastronomical delights, most notably, his Panamanian grandmother’s aromatic Arroz con Pollo and flavorful curried chicken. These early food experiences lit the flame that would become a lifelong passion for cooking.
Chef Mike’s professional culinary path didn’t start in culinary school rather, it was a hard fought slog through working kitchens. Through grit and determination, Mike soon found himself working in some of the Bay Area’s top restaurant’s like TBD and Bar Tartine. However, it was his introduction to baking that changed the course of his career. Chef Mike fell in love with sourdough bread, learned to make pizza, and the rest is… well, Pizza is Life.
Joshua Knight
Josh grew up on the southern California coast, where he was immersed in car culture, art, surfing, the streets, the barbershop, early mornings, fire pits, and a melting pot of ethnic foods. That mix gave him a strong connection to the land, water, culture, and food. His interest in scratch-based cooking blossomed, fostering an appreciation for the value of fresh local ingredients and farmers' markets, further developing his scratch-based food philosophy.
Josh's upbringing significantly shaped his professional journey. His passions evolved into careers, with stints as a pitmaster, pastry chef, barista, and barber. This diverse experience equipped him with valuable expertise in both business and the culinary arts. Over time, his culinary passion evolved into an entrepreneurial drive, propelling him into the realm of hospitality business ownership.
Josh's work ethic? Rock-solid. When he's into something – whether it's an industry or a lifestyle – nothing can throw him off course. It's this passion and determination that has us very excited about the future of Pizza Parlor. We hope you'll go on this journey with us.