Shakey’s Pizza

Shakey’s Pizza is a longstanding American restaurant chain known for its thin-crust pizza, fried chicken, and signature Mojo potatoes. The company was founded in 1954 by Sherwood “Shakey” Johnson and Ed Plummer in Sacramento, California. Shakey’s quickly became a trailblazer in the pizza parlor industry, introducing a casual, family-friendly dining experience that often included live music. By the late 1960s, Shakey’s had grown to more than 500 locations, marking a significant chapter in its history and establishing the brand as a familiar name in communities across the country.

As of November 2025, Shakey’s operates 51 restaurants in the United States, with its primary footprint in California and select locations in the Western states. The company is actively expanding in both suburban and urban markets throughout Southern and Northern California, as well as in Washington, Arizona, and Nevada. Over the past five years, Shakey’s has focused on steady growth, introducing new locations at a moderate pace of three to five stores annually. This expansion includes both traditional full-service parlors and smaller express units, allowing the brand to adapt to a range of retail environments and consumer needs.

Ownership and management of U.S. operations fall under Jacmar Companies, a California-based foodservice group that acquired the domestic rights in the 1980s. Shakey’s international presence is managed separately, with the Philippines hosting over 300 locations under different ownership.

Shakey’s has demonstrated staying power and flexibility, evolving its formats and site strategies to remain relevant in changing markets. Its established brand reputation, operational stability, and adaptable store models make it a reliable tenant for a variety of retail and mixed-use settings. The company’s focus on family dining and group gatherings continues to drive demand for locations with high visibility and strong community connections.