The ongoing Covid situation has affected local small businesses and many are struggling to stay open. In an effort to help those small businesses survive, we are featuring them in a segment we call #SmallBusinessShoutout!
Today we'd like to introduce you to Jeff and Lauren Roberts of Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza Store, located in Irvine, Aliso Viejo, and Newport Beach
Keep up with Stg. Pepperoni's Pizza Store on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and their Website
Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza Store has been spreading love through pizza since 1976. Named best pizza in Orange County three years in a row by the Golden Foodie Awards, Orange County Register and OC Weekly, Sgt. Pepperoni’s scratch kitchen makes fresh dough, pizza sauce and hand-grated cheese daily using only the highest quality ingredients. Founded around family, friendship and community, Sgt. Pepperoni’s is owned and operated by childhood friends and their families. The family-friendly restaurant prioritizes giving back and regularly hosts fundraisers for local schools, sports teams and Julian’s LEGO® Corner at CHOC Children’s Hospital. Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza Store has three locations in Orange County, CA.
Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza Store Locations:
- Newport Beach: 2300 S.E. Bristol St. F
- Aliso Viejo: 26601 Aliso Creek Rd.
- Irvine: 4533 Campus Drive
Sgt. Pepperoni’s Gears up for 6th Annual Julian’s LEGO® Corner Fundraiser
Every September, in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza Store fundraises for Julian’s LEGO® Corner, an Orange County-based charity that donates new LEGO® kits for seriously ill hospitalized children to play with while they undergo medical care at Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). Last year, Sgt. Pepperoni’s raised $16,000, and the team has an even bigger goal in 2021.
While many restaurants partner with local charities, the connection behind Sgt. Pepperoni’s goal and passion for Julian’s LEGO® Corner, is a unique and endearing story of Julian Dunn’s friendship with Lauren Roberts, daughter of Sgt. Pepperoni’s partners, Erica and Jeff Roberts.
Lauren and Julian were classmates, neighbors, and friends when Julian was diagnosed with brain cancer and had to undergo strenuous treatment. Lauren stepped up to raise money with a lemonade stand to show her support for Julian. Lauren’s mother, Erica Roberts, added, “She was only five years old at the time, but she knew how to make cookies and lemonade. So, she said, ‘Mom, I want to do a lemonade stand for Julian.’” Just that day, Lauren raised more than $1,500 with her lemonade stand and her efforts for Julian didn’t stop there.
Lauren continued hosting lemonade stands to raise money for Julian over the next few years, as well as a musical event in Julian’s honor, Jammin’ for Julian. Lauren, now in high school, has also created Sweet Things For A Sweet Cause, a collection of desserts benefitting Julian’s LEGO® Corner that are available for purchase at Sgt. Pepperoni’s stores year-round.
Inspired by Lauren and Julian's story, and with a strong desire to make a positive impact within their community, the Roberts, Hong, Frazier and Dodman families, owners of Sgt. Pepperoni’s, were honored to build upon Lauren's efforts for Julian’s LEGO® Corner with a yearly, month-long fundraiser to commemorate Julian's strength and bravery. Now in its sixth year, the fundraiser helps spread awareness for Julian’s LEGO® Corner and celebrates Julian’s legacy by bringing a smile to other children at CHOC.
To show your support for Julian’s LEGO® Corner, Sgt. Pepperoni’s will be collecting new LEGO® sets and cash donations at all three locations (Aliso Viejo, Newport Beach and Irvine) for CHOC patients throughout September. Additionally, all proceeds in the month of September from Pizza of the Month, The Parma Pie, and desserts will be donated to Julian’s LEGO® Corner. For more information, please visit Sgtpepps.com.