The expansion comes just months after Pizzabilities opened its first location in Alpine, where it quickly won community support for both its food and its inclusive business model. Founded by Josh Baker and Ron Burner, the concept was inspired by Baker's daughter, Grace, who has Down syndrome and struggled to find meaningful employment after graduating from high school. Rather than wait for opportunities, the family created one, establishing a pizzeria designed to give people of all abilities the chance to thrive in the workplace.
The Alpine restaurant currently employs about 20 team members, nearly all of whom have special needs. Staff are cross-trained across tasks such as preparing pizzas, greeting guests, bussing tables, and delivering food, creating a collaborative environment where each worker’s strengths are recognized. The goal, the founders say, is to build not just a pizza shop, but a community hub where purpose and inclusion are baked into every slice.
The menu at Pizzabilities centers on 10-inch, build-your-own pizzas starting at $12.95, with four crust options, six sauces, and a wide range of toppings. Signature pies include Buffalo Chicken, Barbecue Chicken, and Sicilian Pepperoni, while guests can also opt for salads, cheesy bread, cookies, and brownies, as well as wine and craft beer.
Burner, who comes from the family behind the longstanding Nicolosi’s Italian Restaurants, brings decades of food industry experience to the project. He and Baker have said their vision is to open multiple Pizzabilities locations across San Diego County, with the possibility of eventually expanding the model nationwide.
The upcoming Santee restaurant, which is taking over the space currently occupied Nicolosi’s, will follow the same mission-driven formula, providing "pizza with purpose" while creating jobs for individuals too often excluded from the workforce. In a statement earlier this summer, Baker emphasized that the venture is not about financial gain but about building inclusive opportunities for Grace and others like her.
Pizzabilities is also formalizing partnerships to support inclusive hiring and on-the-job training. Baker says the company is working with the Department of Rehabilitation, The Arc of San Diego, and the TRACE program with San Diego city schools to recruit and support team members.
The Santee opening is the next step in a broader growth plan. Baker says two additional sites - Miramar and Mira Mesa - are in the works for the first quarter of next year, targeting February or March, with longer-term plans to franchise nationally to families "in a similar position" who want to create jobs for people of all abilities.
Pizzabilities is also formalizing partnerships to support inclusive hiring and on-the-job training. Baker says the company is working with the Department of Rehabilitation, The Arc of San Diego, and the TRACE program with San Diego city schools to recruit and support team members.
The Santee opening is the next step in a broader growth plan. Baker says two additional sites - Miramar and Mira Mesa - are in the works for the first quarter of next year, targeting February or March, with longer-term plans to franchise nationally to families "in a similar position" who want to create jobs for people of all abilities.
Pizzabilities is anticipated to open in October at 9420 Cuyamaca Street in San Diego's East County city of Santee. For more information, visit pizzabilities.com.
Originally published on September 3, 2025.
