Klondike Pizza In Santa Maria: What Makes It Stand Out
- 01. Klondike Pizza in Santa Maria: what makes it stand out
- 02. Historical Origins and Founding Story
- 03. What Makes Klondike Pizza Unique
- 04. Menu Highlights and Dietary Options
- 05. Community Impact and Values-Driven Mission
- 06. Practical Information for Visitors
- 07. Long-Term Staff and Family Culture
- 08. Why Klondike Pizza Matters for Central Coast Families
Klondike Pizza in Santa Maria: what makes it stand out
Klondike Pizza in Santa Maria is a beloved Central Coast pizzeria located at 2059 South Broadway that has served "good Times 'n Good Grub" since 1996, distinguished by its unique Alaskan-themed atmosphere, signature reindeer sausage, and the quirky tradition of tossing peanut shells on the floor. The restaurant opened its Santa Maria location 30 years ago in March 1996, eight years after the original Arroyo Grande spot, and remains family-owned by founders Mike and Pam Dennis.
Historical Origins and Founding Story
The Klondike Pizza story began in 1986 when founders Mike and Pam Dennis met while filming a restoration project forPBS's This Old House in a fictional Alaskan village called Reellykuld. Mike, an Arctic Snow Dome contractor, had restored a 15-room igloo built by Inuit people in 1908, and Pam served as assistant producer responsible for cue cards and pizza. Mike's Italian/Eskimo grandmother taught him to cook pizza over an open fire, and together they made reindeer, walrus, halibut, and moose pizzas for the crew.
After the project, Pam quit her job and married Mike, opening the first Klondike Pizza in Arroyo Grande in 1988 with Bob Vila as their first customer. The Santa Maria location followed in 1996, expanding their "Good Times 'n Good Grub" mission to the broader Central Coast.
What Makes Klondike Pizza Unique
Klondike Pizza stands out through its immersive Alaskan atmosphere filled with décor collected from Alaska: sweatshirts and blankets hanging from the ceiling, framed photos and newspaper cuttings on walls, and glowing string lights weaving around the restaurant. This intentional design creates a nostalgic experience that deliberately avoids trends, with owner Pam Dennis stating, "I wanted something that would never be trendy... if you move away and come back, it's going to be the way you remembered it".
Menu Highlights and Dietary Options
The menu features pizza, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and the unique reindeer sausage, all open daily at 11 a.m. for lunch and dinner. A new addition called the Kodiak Korn pie appeared recently at Mike's recommendation, featuring garlic sauce and Mexican street corn.
| Menu Category | Featured Items | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pizza | Classic pies, Kodiak Korn pie | Gluten-free option available |
| Unique Specialties | Reindeer sausage | Rare on Central Coast |
| Sides | Bag of Peanuts | $1, toss shells on floor |
| Other | Burgers, sandwiches, salads | Family-friendly options |
Community Impact and Values-Driven Mission
Klondike Pizza operates as a true community hub that prioritizes supporting local causes and creating inclusive spaces for all residents. In March 2026, the Santa Maria location raised $9,076 through an annual fundraiser to support Santa Barbara Humane's Santa Maria campus, extending the campaign through Easter.
The restaurant invites students from special education programs to enjoy free pizza and games during lunch hour, fed firefighters at no charge during the Gifford Fire, and supports youth sports teams. Owner Pam Dennis emphasizes their dream: "We wanted everyone to feel welcome and no one to fear walking in alone. Plus, it had to be family friendly".
Practical Information for Visitors
The Santa Maria shop operates with consistent hours that make it accessible for families and workers alike.
Long-Term Staff and Family Culture
The restaurant's welcoming vibe stems from staff who feel more like family than coworkers, including manager Patty Forsher who has been with the business for 25 years "from practically the beginning". This strong bond explains why Dennis feels she cannot retire yet, noting, "My family has invested so much into the business for almost 40 years".
"So far I haven't met anybody that doesn't like pizza."
- Pam Dennis, co-founder of Klondike Pizza
Why Klondike Pizza Matters for Central Coast Families
Klondike Pizza represents educational values through community engagement, offering families a space where children learn social skills through arcade games (beckoning gamers of all ages near the front door) while parents appreciate a welcoming environment. Dennis jokes about disciplining misbehaving children: "I'll show the kids what a quarter can do in a video game machine if they don't shape up".
The restaurant's consistency over 30-plus years demonstrates how maintaining core values- authenticity, family-friendliness, and community support-creates lasting value beyond trends. As Dennis notes, "Pizza is a great equalizer too. It's easy to eat, transport, and reheat for leftovers".
What are the most common questions about Klondike Pizza In Santa Maria What Makes It Stand Out?
What is special about Klondike Pizza Santa Maria?
Klondike Pizza offers real reindeer sausage on its menu, a rare item found in few Southern California restaurants, plus its signature policy allowing guests to toss peanut shells on the exposed floor while waiting for food.
Does Klondike Pizza still throw peanut shells on the floor?
Yes, diners can still throw peanut shells on the floor, but since pandemic changes, they no longer receive a complimentary basket; instead, they buy a premade bag of peanuts for $1.
What are Klondike Pizza's signature menu items?
Signature items include reindeer sausage, the Kodiak Korn pie (topped with house-made Mexican street corn, garlic sauce, onions, bell peppers, and spices), plus classic pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
What are Klondike Pizza Santa Maria's hours?
The restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with extended hours until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Does Klondike Pizza offer delivery?
Yes, Klondike Pizza offers dine-in, take-out, curbside delivery, and delivery through Cafe Runner.
How old is Klondike Pizza Santa Maria?
The Santa Maria location turned 30 years old in March 2026, having opened in 1996.
