Victorino’s Pizzeria in Bonita will officially rebrand to Andy's Pizzeria on Wednesday, July 10, with none other than former heavyweight boxing champion Andy Ruiz Jr. taking an ownership role in the business. Ruiz, best known for becoming the first Mexican heavyweight champion in boxing history, will be on-site for the grand reopening, signing autographs, snapping photos with fans, and helping introduce the community to his new pizza venture.
Behind the partnership is Victor Lopez, founder of Victorino’s Pizzeria, who opened the shop in early 2024 after a trip to New York City inspired him to bring authentic NYC-style pizza back to his hometown of Chula Vista. Victorino's quickly earned fans with its creative mix of classic New York-style round pies and San Diego-inspired square pizzas, along with its house-made dough crafted from Caputo Tipo 00 flour and a cheese blend of mozzarella and provolone. Signature pies have included the Ciao Bella Margarita, the Bonita White, and the El Padrino - a spicy, bean-based pizza nodding to Lopez’s nearby restaurant, El Pollo Grill.
Now, with Ruiz joining the team, the pizzeria will undergo a remodel to reflect the boxing champ's style, complete with a new name and theme. Andy’s Pizzeria will lean into Ruiz’s larger-than-life persona, with a boxing-themed interior and a celebration of the athlete’s Mexican heritage and faith. While the name and décor will change, the spirit of the food and hospitality Lopez created at Victorino's will remain.
The news comes as another world champion boxer, Canelo Álvarez, opened a taqueria in San Diego. After years of anticipation, Álvarez unveiled the first U.S. outpost of his family's El Pastor Del Rica Taqueria in Chula Vista. The 4,200-square-foot taco shop on Broadway offers an authentic street-style menu featuring al pastor from a rotating spit, tacos, quesadillas, beer, and wine. It follows the success of the Guadalajara location he owns with his brother Ricardo. Canelo, a longtime visitor to San Diego, trained locally at House of Boxing and previously owned a home in Rancho Santa Fe.
Fans can expect a lively celebration on July 10, with DJ music (if permitted by the mall), raffles, and appearances by Ruiz himself. The team promises more surprises to come as the transformation takes shape.
Andy's Pizzeria is located at 3047 Bonita Rd, Suite 107, in San Diego's South County neighborhood of Bonita. For more information, follow @victorinospizzeria on Instagram.
Originally published on May 8, 2025.
