Our History

Shakey's is the pizza that started it all™. Founded by Sherwood “Shakey” Johnson, the first Shakey's Pizza Parlor opened in 1954 on 57th and J Street in Sacramento, California. Located in a remodeled grocery store, the original Shakey's Pizza restaurant was established as “Ye Public House” for pizza and beer. In fact, as the pizza ovens weren't ready on the first day, beer was the first menu item served at Shakey's. It wasn't long though before the ovens were fired up and baking what came to be known as the World's Greatest Pizza™.

Fun and good times have always been part of Shakey's recipe for success. Sherwood Johnson brought his love of Dixieland jazz to Shakey's in the form of live ragtime music. Jazz historians even credit the inclusion of player pianos, banjos and other live jazz musicians as having played a role in the Sacramento jazz revival. Johnson himself is honored in the American Banjo Museum in Oklahoma City for promoting banjo music at Shakey's Pizza Parlors.

Shakey's commitment to fun carried over to famously light-hearted advertising slogans such as “You'll have fun at Shakey's, also pizza,” and “You can feed your face at any old place, but you can warm your heart at Shakey's".

Partnerships with organizations such as Toys for Tots and Special Olympics Southern California is a shining example of how Shakey's is committed to serving its communities.

Shakey's Pizza Party fundraiser events have provided countless community groups, non-profits and youth sports groups the opportunity to raise money for their organizations.

In a time of busy schedules and decreasing family time, Shakey's Pizza Parlor takes pride in bringing families around our tables to share great food and precious memories.

From catching the weekend game to celebrating a birthday with a Shakey's Pizza Party, Shakey's has fun and games for the whole family. Don't forget our Fun Zone filled with arcade games and prizes! More than just a pizza restaurant, Shakey's is the place for family time.

Shakey's took our place in pizza history when we became the first franchise pizza chain in the United States. More than 60 years later, we are still expanding and on the look out for great franchising partners. Visit the Shakey's franchising page for more information on becoming part of the Shakey's family.