BERKELEY, Calif. —With more than 42 different toppings, Build Pizzeria takes the Italian food tradition to new heights. Customers are able to create a custom pizza from a combination of two types of crusts, seven kinds of cheese, six sauces and endless combinations. General Manager Jonatan Martinez said, “Our motto is ‘find your inner pizza’ but you really find your inner self.” Build Pizzeria opened in spring 2013 on the corner of Bancroft and Shattuck streets close to the University of California’s campus here. Sous Chef Jonathan Popenuck said, “We are our own biggest competitor. There are lots of imitation restaurants but nothing like what we do here.”
Photo by Alexa Rose
Popenuck was back in the kitchen this week after a small kitchen fire last Saturday night. The fire broke out around 1 a.m. and an assistant manager who was still in the building was able to put the fire out; no one was injured. Despite the closing, the restaurant was able to reopen a week later — with new appliances. Popenuck said, “It built up anticipation to walk back in the door.” When asked who comes in the door, Martinez said, “In true Berkeley fashion, a lot of everything.” Kids, students and families, every age group, he said. To attract students, BUILD occasionally holds a special night. On these days a discounted menu is offered to anyone with a student ID. Students are able to test out the restaurant at a affordable price. BUILD strives to buy the best ingredients possible for its costumers, Martinez said. “They (the owners) don’t ever want to sacrifice quality or the taste or the flavor to save a couple bucks in the long run,” he added. Many of their ingredients are locally bought. Martinez said, “It’s all about supporting and giving back to the community itself.”