A new restaurant called Pizza to the Rescue is coming soon to 2601 E. Indian School Road in Phoenix, according to a building permit found in city public records. The restaurant will neighbor Almost There Rescue, a local non-profit founded by Geri Hormel, who is now opening Pizza to the Rescue with partner Hunter Rodgers.
In a phone call with What Now Phoenix, Rodgers says that Pizza to the Rescue is scheduled to open this fall. They just obtained permitting on the space and are now working through renovations and design. He explains that Hormel has owned the property for a few years since opening Almost There Rescue.
The rescue neighbored a vacant building that they decided to turn into a restaurant. “It’s really meant to be a comfortable neighborhood hangout,” Rodgers tells What Now Phoenix. “We are food people and we are dog people, so the inspiration for Pizza to the Rescue was to create a dog-friendly atmosphere.”
City of Phoenix agenda notes from a liquor license request read, “Pizza to the Rescue will be a family-friendly neighborhood restaurant offering Neopolitan style pizza, handmade pastas, fresh salads, and locally sourced craft Beverages.” Renderings found online tease a sleek and chic restaurant space with a wood-fired oven.
Rodgers adds that they plan to have around 40 seats in the dining area, plus around 12 bar seats and an outdoor patio. In the future, they are thinking about using the space as a cafe in the mornings. They have both Series 10 and 12 licenses which not only allows Pizza to the Rescue to have a full bar, but also means they will have a bottle shop as well.
A portion of Pizza to the Rescue’s profits will always go directly to Almost There Rescue. Hormel founded the non-profit organization in 2013, specializing in the care of homeless, pregnant, large-breed dogs. Almost There saves these dogs from less than ideal situations, giving them a safe place to birth and raise their pups.
So far, Almost There Rescue has saved more than 1,200 dogs. For more information, visit www.almostthererescue.org and keep an eye out for updates on Pizza to the Rescue.
