Thunderbolt Pizza Striking Long Beach in October

A new pizzeria, called Thunderbolt Pizza, is bound for Long Beach’s Bixby Knolls neighborhood in space that in recent years has been a revolving door to pizzerias: most recently PowWow Pizza which closed in January after less than a year, and Bella Pizza before that. Thunderbolt’s opening, at 4085 Atlantic Boulevard, is set for early October, according to Owner Jay Stebbins.

Stebbins told What Now Los Angeles that he was attracted to the Bixby Knolls neighborhood because it’s a “really beautiful town with strong support for their businesses through the [business improvement district].” He also liked the spot because of its “phenomenal” brick oven and spacious refrigeration that will allow for making fantastic pizza dough.

The pizzeria is expected to offer New York-style pizzas, though the menu will be focused on well-crafted pizza, organic salads with a curated wine list, craft beer, and low-voltage drinks. Every few days, Stebbins will add on new items, which will be sure to delight.

“I absolutely love pizza,” Stebbins said. “I like pizza as a restaurant concept because when times are tight, you can dress it down. When times are good, you can dress it up. And pizza is one of those foods that bring people together.”