Porterville pizza spot named 2024 Outstanding Business Honoree

The City of Porterville recognized Poor Richard’s Pizza and Bar as an Outstanding Business Honoree during its city council meeting on Tuesday.

Poor Richard’s Pizza is the first local business to receive the recognition this year; the city recognizes three businesses annually as Outstanding Business Honorees.

“One of the main reasons Poor Richards was selected as Outstanding Business is for its Economic Contribution to Downtown Porterville, with its continued investment in creating a sense of place for the community and continuing the Legacy of the First Pizza Parlor in Porterville,” said Claudia Calderon, a cting community development director with the City of Porterville.

Established in 1971, the store was run by Mike Freeman from 1977 until September 2021, when it was purchased by Christian and Victoria Diaz, who have continued the legacy of the iconic local pizzeria.

With the implementation of improvements including televisions, fountain beverage machines and kegs for draft beers, the restaurant has upheld the restaurant’s original charm — from its original bar stools to its historic brick-wall alley and an autographed poster of George Strait in the dining area, the pizzeria has helped increase foot traffic in Downtown Porterville.

“It means a lot to us,” Victoria said. “It’s really special to know that the town and the community recognizes our hard work. It shows that everything we’re putting into it is going to a good cause for a good reason.”

The Diaz family also continues to uphold long-time traditions of community engagement by sponsoring local youth sports, hosting events and collaborating with nearby small businesses.

“I always like to say ‘we’re more than just pizza,’” Victoria added. “We’re a place for the community to come together. A place for events, a place for music, a place for birthdays — it’s more than pizza.”

Many businesses share the name “Poor Richard’s,” including the pub made famous in the American sitcom “The Office,” but Porterville’s Poor Richard’s is, indeed, a home-grown restaurant – one-of-a-kind, the restaurant on North Main St. is the only one of its kind.

Poor Richard’s Pizza is located at 205 N. Main St. in Porterville and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays.