The deal, finalized recently, will see the Best Pizza & Brew team - led by original founders John Freis, Charlie Muirhead, Kelly Bowie, and Angela Montion, alongside current operators Joey Freis and Mitchell Millar - retain the Sandbox name while planning to revamp the menu with a touch of Best Pizza flair and new offerings.
Joey Freis, speaking to SanDiegoVille, shared the transition timeline and vision: "We’ll be officially taking over Sandbox Pizza in Pacific Beach on May 1st." He emphasized continuity, noting, "We plan to keep it operating as Sandbox Pizza, continuing the laid-back, beachside vibe that locals and visitors love. We're big fans of what Sandbox has built, and our focus is on supporting the team, maintaining the community feel, and making small improvements where needed to enhance the overall guest experience." Freis aims for a seamless handover, adding, "We’re aiming for a smooth transition with no closure at all," addressing rumors of downtime and thanking media for clarifying the move.
Founded by Randy Martin, who also owns The Tipsy Crow, Sandbox Pizza relocated from its original Grand Avenue spot to a larger Garnet Avenue unit at 1466 Garnet Avenue in June 2021, taking over the former PB Cantina space from Sunset Restaurant Management Group. The original site now houses Riptides bar & grill, while the current location has built a following with its tiki-style menu of pizzeria appetizers, salads, sandwiches, wings, and specialty pizzas featuring diverse sauces and toppings, plus cocktails, beer, and wine. Under Best Pizzas stewardship, the menu will evolve, blending Sandbox's identity with Best Pizza's signature industrial-chic style and expanded offerings.
Best Pizza & Brew, launched in Mira Mesa in 2013 as an offshoot of the original Pizza Nova from Point Loma in 1990, has grown into a local powerhouse. With locations in Cardiff, Carmel Mountain, Oceanside, Mira Mesa, Vista, Snapdragon Stadium, Escondido, Murrieta and an upcoming Clairemont eatery, the chain is known for its roll-up garage doors, fire pits, and outdoor patios, serving appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizzas by the slice or whole pie, desserts, and a robust selection of beers and hard beverages.
Joey Freis, speaking to SanDiegoVille, shared the transition timeline and vision: "We’ll be officially taking over Sandbox Pizza in Pacific Beach on May 1st." He emphasized continuity, noting, "We plan to keep it operating as Sandbox Pizza, continuing the laid-back, beachside vibe that locals and visitors love. We're big fans of what Sandbox has built, and our focus is on supporting the team, maintaining the community feel, and making small improvements where needed to enhance the overall guest experience." Freis aims for a seamless handover, adding, "We’re aiming for a smooth transition with no closure at all," addressing rumors of downtime and thanking media for clarifying the move.
Founded by Randy Martin, who also owns The Tipsy Crow, Sandbox Pizza relocated from its original Grand Avenue spot to a larger Garnet Avenue unit at 1466 Garnet Avenue in June 2021, taking over the former PB Cantina space from Sunset Restaurant Management Group. The original site now houses Riptides bar & grill, while the current location has built a following with its tiki-style menu of pizzeria appetizers, salads, sandwiches, wings, and specialty pizzas featuring diverse sauces and toppings, plus cocktails, beer, and wine. Under Best Pizzas stewardship, the menu will evolve, blending Sandbox's identity with Best Pizza's signature industrial-chic style and expanded offerings.
Best Pizza & Brew, launched in Mira Mesa in 2013 as an offshoot of the original Pizza Nova from Point Loma in 1990, has grown into a local powerhouse. With locations in Cardiff, Carmel Mountain, Oceanside, Mira Mesa, Vista, Snapdragon Stadium, Escondido, Murrieta and an upcoming Clairemont eatery, the chain is known for its roll-up garage doors, fire pits, and outdoor patios, serving appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizzas by the slice or whole pie, desserts, and a robust selection of beers and hard beverages.
Freis also updated the status of their latest venture: "We are finally getting our Best Pizza and Brew location in Clairemont open next week after big delays on a gas meter from SDG&E." The Clairemont Mesa unit is located at at 4441 Genesee Avenue.
The acquisition aligns with Best Pizza’s expansion strategy, bringing its community-driven approach to Pacific Beach. "We’re looking forward to becoming a part of the PB community and building on what’s already a great neighborhood spot," Freis said, signaling a commitment to enhancing Sandbox’s laid-back charm. As Best Pizza & Brew steps into this beachside staple, Pacific Beach diners can expect a refreshed yet familiar experience come May 1.
Sandbox Pizza is located at 1466 Garnet Avenue in San Diego’s Pacific Beach. For more information, visit sandboxsd.com and bestpizzaandbrew.com.
The acquisition aligns with Best Pizza’s expansion strategy, bringing its community-driven approach to Pacific Beach. "We’re looking forward to becoming a part of the PB community and building on what’s already a great neighborhood spot," Freis said, signaling a commitment to enhancing Sandbox’s laid-back charm. As Best Pizza & Brew steps into this beachside staple, Pacific Beach diners can expect a refreshed yet familiar experience come May 1.
Sandbox Pizza is located at 1466 Garnet Avenue in San Diego’s Pacific Beach. For more information, visit sandboxsd.com and bestpizzaandbrew.com.
Originally published on March 24, 2025.
