What do UNESCO and Michelangelo (the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, not the artist) have in common? They both know pizza is special. So does James “Jimmy” Terwilliger, the owner of Pizza Cassette. Since 2022, he has been serving up delicious, wood-fired pizzas. Jimmy’s love for pizza began as a teenager in upstate New York when he started delivering pies. Over the years, he has worked at several notable pizzerias, including Ciro’s Pizzeria & Beerhouse and Buona Forchetta, honing his skills along the way.
Thanks to his unique New York-meets-Italian style, Pizza Cassette has developed a loyal following. “Things have gone in an amazingly positive direction here,” Jimmy says. So much so that he’s now scouting a larger space for a second location, and he’s finally found it—1459 Garnet Avenue in Pacific Beach, set to open in early 2026.
In this new spot, Jimmy will keep the focus on scratch cooking. “Every ingredient, except the salami and cheese, is made from scratch,” he explains. This commitment means homemade sausage, roasted pastrami, and even ground meat for meatballs. The cooking process reflects the care and attention Jimmy puts into each pie.
Pizza Cassette in Pacific Beach will feature around 60 to 80 seats and may include outdoor dining in a transformed back parking lot. Instead of a wood-burning oven, Jimmy plans to use an electric Italian oven due to permitting challenges. If the results aren’t up to his standards, he’s not afraid to seek a permit for open flames later. That’s the kind of dedication you want from a pizza chef!
His dough is Neapolitan-inspired, crafted with a mix of traditional double zero flour and Type 1 flour, along with a few secret ingredients. It offers a delightful balance of airiness and crunch, which makes it unique.
Looking ahead, Jimmy is open to expanding his culinary dreams further. “I would love to open a fine dining restaurant that serves pizza and maybe even grow our own ingredients,” he shares, voicing ambitions that many chefs share.
Curious about how well pizza-making is catching on? A recent survey showed that about 70% of Americans see pizza as their favorite food, underscoring its cultural significance. The rise of artisan restaurants and food trucks serving gourmet pizza reflects changing tastes, prioritizing quality ingredients and craftsmanship over convenience.
In case you’re planning your next dining adventure, keep an eye out for the grand opening of Pizza Cassette in Pacific Beach. With Jimmy’s track record and passion, it promises to be a pizza lover’s paradise.
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Food & Drink,Food News,Openings,Pacific Beach
