Meet Colin Freas, the owner of d20 Pizza in Santa Cruz. Colin left his job as a software engineer to pursue his dream of opening a restaurant. He wanted to escape the long hours at a desk that were affecting his health. Originally from Long Island, Colin spent time in Santa Cruz growing up, thanks to his mom’s roots there. A few years ago, he moved to the area to help open a bakery, which sparked his interest in launching a pizza and board game café.
Colin opened d20 in July, creating a cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for socializing. The café features a variety of board games, from classics like chess to newer favorites. He describes the space as a relaxed hangout, blending nostalgic and modern design elements. The menu focuses on high-quality, Detroit-style pizza made with airy focaccia dough and Wisconsin brick cheese. Popular choices include the Endless Summer veggie pizza and the Shroom It Up for mushroom lovers. They also serve housemade mocktails, local beers, and a unique dessert: torn-up pizza crust bread pudding.
Colin believes his engineering background helps him run the restaurant. In both fields, he spends time figuring out complex problems. Just as in programming, perfecting pizza dough takes time and consistency, requiring problem-solving skills to create a delicious final product.
Looking ahead, Colin plans to expand d20’s offerings. He’ll add more board games with a dedicated section featuring floor-to-ceiling shelves and a rolling library ladder. On the food side, he aims to introduce soft pretzels, more salads, and new appetizers. With a brick pizza oven in the works, he hopes to diversify the pizza options available.
In today’s market, restaurants that blend unique concepts have become popular. For instance, a recent survey showed that 70% of diners enjoy venues that pair food with entertainment, like board games. This trend highlights the growing appeal of social dining experiences.
With his innovative vision and engineering mindset, Colin Freas is set to make d20 Pizza a beloved spot in Santa Cruz.
1520 Mission Street, Santa Cruz, 831-777-5331
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