Straw Hat Pizza Now Open in Montana

BILLINGS, Mont., June 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Straw Hat Pizza, the original California Pizza since 1959, announced it has opened its newest restaurant in Billings, Montana at 1005 Shiloh Crossing Blvd. Co-sponsored by Family Service, Inc., the Grand Opening celebration for the whole community will take place over three days: Friday, June 24th from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Saturday, June 25th from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; and Sunday, June 26th from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Activities include a food and clothing drive, raffle prizes, pizza specials, balloon artists and one lucky attendee will win FREE pizza for a year.

"We hope the whole community comes by to taste why Straw Hat Pizza has been around for more than 50 years, and to try our famous pizza," said Brent Reed, franchise owner of the Straw Hat Pizza in Billings. "Having lived in California and eaten Straw Hat Pizza, I am excited to bring the first Straw Hat Pizza to Billings which boasts the newest look, great specials and, of course, the famous fresh pizza," he said.

Straw Hat Pizza Billings invited local nonprofit, Family Service, Inc., to host a food and clothing drive at the grand opening event, with all donated items to benefit needy families in Billings and Yellowstone County. During the three day event, gently used clothing and canned or boxed food can be donated to representatives on-hand Friday June 24th – Sunday June 26th, 2011.

The new Billings Straw Hat Pizza features a forty-plus item fresh salad bar, and family friendly conveniences including curbside-to-go and pickup. Along with the colorful wall murals depicting the brand's history, the new 4600 square foot restaurant has plenty of big screen TVs to watch the game, a Wurlitzer jukebox, and autographed memorabilia from Hollywood's golden age.

The new Straw Hat Pizza is located at located at 1005 Shiloh Crossing Blvd. Billings, MT 59102 across from the Carmike Cinemas, and can be reached by calling 406-652-9800. The location is managed by local resident Lonnie Messner and offers catering for large events, groups and fundraisers, dine-in, and curbside-to-go. Restaurant hours are 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Sunday – Thursday and Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

About Straw Hat Pizza

Straw Hat Pizza has been making waves and fresh genuine California pizza since 1959. With a layered, crispy crust, the freshest toppings, zesty sauce made from fresh tomatoes, and their own blend of six California naturally aged cheeses, it tastes just like those served along California's sunny coastline. For more than 50 years Straw Hat has used only fresh local ingredients. It's not a trend; it's a history as genuine as their California pizza.

Besides the new Billings location, the fifty three year old company has 82 locations and is growing with new locations opening in Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, New Jersey, Maryland, Texas and Virginia. Growth plans are to reach 150 locations within two years. For more information please visit:  www.strawhatpizza.com and please friend us on Facebook.

About Family Service, Inc.

Family Service, Inc. is a private not-for-profit 501(c)3 human service organization serving friends and neighbors in Billings and Yellowstone County. The organization provides people with mortgage, rental, utility, prescription, food and other types of assistance. Family Service, Inc. is the only agency in Yellowstone County that provides free clothing—good, serviceable, used clothing—on a day-to-day basis. Other special services the organization often helps with are: diapers and other baby care products, city bus passes, in-town gasoline vouchers, document preparation and spousal abuse "safe harbor" assistance.

SOURCE Straw Hat Pizza