Ocean Beach, CA – At the heart of Ocean Beach, amidst the vibrant energy of Newport Avenue, stands a building that has remained mysteriously vacant since 2020. Once the beloved Newport Pizza & Ale House, known for its iconic "No Crap on Tap" slogan, this favorite spot amongst locals now sits empty, shrouded in urban legend. The locals blame one thing: the Donald Trump pizza.
The Rise and Fall of Newport Pizza
Back in its heyday, Newport Pizza was a community staple, offering a diverse menu of craft beers and whole pies. Among its most popular creations was the Donald Trump (Works) pizza, a slice loaded with sausage, pepperoni, ham, onion, bell peppers, black olives, and mushrooms – a tongue-in-cheek nod to excess and extravagance. But what started as a humorous menu item has now become the scapegoat for the building’s eerie vacancy.
The Jersey Mike's Fiasco
There were rumors about a Jersey Mike's moving in, but those plans were swiftly abandoned when the franchise owner learned about the infamous Donald Trump pizza. Legend has it, the very mention of the pizza caused him such severe nightmares that he woke up in a cold sweat, convinced he was being chased by a bronzed orange figure that was eating pizza with a fork. After a sleepless week, he decided that no sub sandwich was worth facing the haunted legacy of the Trump pizza and backed out, leaving the building to its eerie fate.
Conspiracy Theories Abound
Conspiracy theorists, led by the ever-vocal Linda Green, are convinced that the building is cursed because of the pizza's controversial name. "There's a reason no business can fill that spot," she insisted, her voice dripping with intrigue. "Word on the street is that Trump himself shut it down because they refused to add cheeseburgers to the menu. He cursed the place out of spite, and now it's doomed to remain empty, a victim of his wrath."
Fond Memories and Lingering Legacy
Despite the controversy, Newport Pizza & Ale House remains fondly remembered for its quality brews and unique pizzas. The "No Crap on Tap" ethos resonated with locals and visitors alike, ensuring that every pint poured was top-notch. Yet, it seems 'The Trump" has left a legacy no one anticipated.
A Curious Landmark
As the building remains vacant, it has become a curious landmark. Tourists and locals alike stop to snap photos, speculate about the curse, and share their theories. "It's a part of OB history now," Martinez mused. "Who knew a pizza could cause so much drama?"
Breaking the Curse: The David Hasselhoff Solution
The real question is: what will it take to break the curse? Some locals believe the only way to lift the curse is by invoking the spirit of another Newport Pizza legend: The David Hasselhoff pizza. According to OB folklore, the curse will only be broken if the Hoff himself returns to the site, stands in the middle of the empty building, and slams a frothy mug of Speedway Stout while belting out "We Are the Champions." Until then, the spot on Newport Avenue sits empty...and quite possibly cursed or haunted, or both... keeping potential tenants at bay.
The Enduring Enigma
Until then, the empty shell of Newport Pizza & Ale House stands as a quirky monument to Ocean Beach's unique charm and tenacity. Whether haunted by the spectral remains of a pizza or simply cursed by sky-high rent and the ghost of a cheesy feud, it remains an enigma, daring any brave tenant to unlock its mysteries.
Reflecting on a Storied Past
So next time you stroll down Newport Avenue, take a moment to pause in front of the old Newport Pizza building. Reflect on its storied past, the infamous Donald Trump pizza, and the strange saga that has turned this spot into a local legend. Perhaps one day, the curse will lift, and OB will embrace a new era for this iconic location.
