Situated within the picturesque Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve and Campground, the lakeside spot has been a favorite for locals since opening in late 2022. However, owner Pete Harbison, affectionately known as "Angry Pete," has made the difficult decision to shutter the location due to rising costs and operational challenges.
The 4,000-square-foot Santee Lakes location, complete with an expansive outdoor deck overlooking Lake 4, offered an idyllic setting for enjoying Angry Pete's signature Detroit-style pan pizza, Michigan-style Coney chili hotdogs, smash burgers, and more. Despite its popularity, the demands of running multiple locations, coupled with operational constraints and a significant upcoming rent increase, have made continuing at this venue unsustainable.
Harbison shared his heartfelt announcement in a letter to fans, explaining the reasoning behind the closure:
"It’s become clear we aren’t really able to serve our loyal, amazing customers our pizza properly, and I really want to focus on our customers. The demand for our pizzas across all locations, combined with inadequate prep space, refrigeration, and staffing, has spread us too thin."
"It’s become clear we aren’t really able to serve our loyal, amazing customers our pizza properly, and I really want to focus on our customers. The demand for our pizzas across all locations, combined with inadequate prep space, refrigeration, and staffing, has spread us too thin."
In addition to the operational strain, Harbison revealed that a planned 78% rent increase in January 2025 for the Santee Lakes location further contributed to the decision. He also noted struggles with unpaid revenues from partnerships at Little Miss Brewing locations in Lakeside and Poway, which resulted in the permanent closure of those operations earlier this year.
"The hard truth is that like many businesses, we've faced a challenging and rough road. Increasing food costs, labor costs, and rental rates have made it harder and harder to maintain our business at a break-even level."
Harbison also reflected on the personal toll of running multiple locations, stating, "I’ve had to face the reality that I've left very little for my own family - in both time and security."
Despite the closure, there's a silver lining for Angry Pete’s loyal fans. Harbison plans to focus his energy on the brand’s other locations, including the nostalgia-infused Kearny Mesa restaurant housed in a retro former Taco Bell building and the branch at Desi’s Bar & Grill in Point Loma.
"This means we are going to have more time, less stress, more energy, and more space to create and serve our amazing Detroit-style pizza," Harbison wrote. "Our goal is to serve you awesome pizza. We feel this is the best way to do that on our own terms, how we want."
Angry Pete's Santee Lakes location will remain open until November 30, 2024. Harbison invites the community to visit one last time to enjoy their favorite dishes, share memories, and celebrate the journey.
Founded in 2018, Angry Pete's Pizza began as a small pop-up at farmers markets and beer events before expanding into brick-and-mortar locations. While the Santee Lakes chapter will close, Harbison remains committed to delivering the signature flavors and hospitality that have made Angry Pete's a local favorite.
For more information about Angry Pete’s Pizza and its other locations, visit angrypetespizza.com.
Originally published on November 15, 2024.
