/

Original Joe’s Opens Smaller Store to Focus on Takeout Orders Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

2 mins read

The 83-year-old Italian restaurant in San Francisco, Original Joe’s, opened a smaller counterpart on Tuesday that mainly focuses on its takeout menu, including pizzas, salads, and more.

Little Original Joe’s Pizzeria

Siblings John and Elena Duggan are the third-generation family owners of Original Joe’s. The two opened a new shop in San Francisco’s West Portal area called Little Original Joe’s. The smaller counterpart provides service for takeout-only orders with Original Joe’s menu. Additionally, the concept also included a marketplace that featured Italian goods.

In a statement, John said, “Considering the many challenges this year has presented, we could not be more excited to officially open the doors to Little Original Joe’s, a restaurant we’ve been dreaming about for many years and our first step toward evolving the Original Joe’s brand.”

The Little Original Joe’s was founded on the space of Paradise Pizza at 393 West Portal Ave. that closed down in 2018. Additionally, the Duggan siblings employed Paradise Pizza’s former owner, Sal Alioto, to make the pizza dough. As young kids, the two siblings regularly went to Alioto’s pizzeria. They decided to honor Paradise Pizza by incorporating its recipe into their newly opened store.

In a statement, Elena said, “Beyond anything, Original Joe’s celebrates heritage and honoring your roots. We’re thrilled to collaborate with Sal, learn his beloved dough recipe, and incorporate it into this new era for the Original Joe’s family. Our hope is to bring a sense of comfort and familiarity to the West Portal community.”

Additionally, Little Original Joe’s provides customers with an array of fresh and frozen pasta, Italian and California wines, cured meats, and other pantry items, the San Francisco Gate reported.

Danielle Joyce Ong

Danielle is a local journalist with a passion for exploring stories related to crime and politics. When Danielle isn't busy writing or reading, she is usually exploring the great outdoors and all the hiking trails in the Bay.