Phone: 714-524-1260 Fax: 714-524-1267
1235 East Imperial Highway
Placentia, CA 92870-1718

September 29, 2000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

U.S. Congressmen Royce & Miller,
& Governor Davis, & others
Recognize Brooklyn Pizza Works
and Italian Restaurant

October 20, 2000 - 6:00pm

Placentia, Yorba Linda, Brea, Fullerton, - On Friday, October 20 at 6:00pm, Brooklyn Pizza Works, will be recognized by U.S. Congressman Edward Royce, U.S. Congressman Gary Miller, California Governor Gray Davis, State Senator John Lewis, State Assemblymember Dick Ackerman, Orange County Board of Supervisors Cynthia P. Coad & Todd Spitzer, and City of Placentia City Mayor, Michael L. Maertzweiler for 22 years of extensive community service and award winning pizza and Italian cuisine.  (Photos of these government officials are at the end of this release.)

Brooklyn Pizza is the ONLY Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria to win the Orange County Register's coveted "Best Pizza" award twice and the only eatery to ever win in Placentia. (The restaurant is located in Placentia, but borders Brea and Yorba Linda). 

Over the past 22 years, in spite of limited resources and some difficult times, Brooklyn Pizza Works has sponsored youth sports teams and organizations, senior groups, schools, churches, hospitals, and other needy organizations and individuals. (See partial list on page 2.)

The awards presentation and celebration is sponsored by U.S. Congressmen Edward Royce and Gary Miller, Kendall-Jackson Winery, Coca Cola, Don-A-Vee of Placentia Chrysler-Plymouth, Create A Party Rentals, Professional Video Supply, American Linen, Mich Miller Photography, Nu-Dell Manufacturing Company, Expressions Florist, Barbara Kimmel-Palmer Watercolors, Frame World, and the Signogram/Signmaster.

Refreshments will be served including hors d'ouvres, soft drinks, and fine wines from Kendall-Jackson, and special discounts for all patrons.  100 gift certificates for a free pizza with two toppings will be distributed (1 per family) on a first come first serve basis.

A 2001 Chrysler Prowler, will be on display from Don-A-Vee.  (Prowlers are limited production high performance sports cars with a two-year waiting list in some areas and are a real attention getter.)  In addition to indoor seating/dining tables and chairs will be setup (courtesy of Create a Party Rentals) for alfresco dining.  Expressions Florist will do the decorating and floral arrangements.  Tony Essey, A.K.A. "The Signmaster," will provide hand painted full color signs and banners. 

Following a brief awards ceremony, refreshments will be served, and master of ceremonies, U.S. Congressmen Edward Royce and Gary Miller, will cut the first slice of a large pizza shaped and decorated cake.

Royce and Miller have been a long time proponent of good corporate citizenship and small business success through dedication, commitment, and hard work in their districts. 

Facing growing competition from big box shopping centers, a plethora of franchise restaurants, the loss of a major anchor tenant, family owned and operated Brooklyn Pizza Works somehow managed to build a successful award-winning pizzeria and Italian restaurant with a large base of local and regional "regular" customers.

The secret to this restaurant's success includes its colorful history, unique recipes and award winning Pizza and Italian specialties, and an exceptional commitment to customer and community service. 

Started as an Italian bakery in 1978/79, it was converted into a pizzeria and Italian restaurant at the urging of friends of the baker/chef who were enthralled with the authentic and delicious Italian specialties.  The same award winning recipes, ingredients, and preparation methods are still used today.

Owners Sam and Sophie Rafidi immigrated to the United States 31 years ago.  They became U.S. Citizens in 1974.  The Rafidi's have four children, three in college and one in high school. 

Organizations supported by Brooklyn Pizza Works includes (partial list):  Anaheim Memorial Hospital, St. Jude Medical Center, Autumn Blast - St. Jude Cancer Center, Muscular Dystrophy of America, Yorba Linda Senior Citizens Club, YlMS Journalism Class, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School, Kid's Day 2000 - DMV, West Yorba Linda Little League, Inc., Holy Cross Melkite-Greek Catholic Parish, Placentia Department of Recreation, Placentia Marlins Baseball, Tri City Steelers Football, Celtics Basketball, Trojans Football Team, Panther Soccer Academy, PLL AAA Marlins Baseball, Placentia NJB Tarheels Basketball, Canyon High School - Water Polo Team, Blood Drive, Bone Marrow Drive, Diamond Bar Sister City, (and many others).

Media kits, interviews, and complimentary meals will be available for credentialed members of the press on assignment.

For More Information Contact:

Brooklyn Pizza Works and Italian Restaurant
1235 East Imperial Highway
Placentia, CA 92870-1718

Phone: 714-524-1260
Fax: 714-524-1267
Email: admin@brooklyn-pizza-works.com 
Web: http://www.brooklyn-pizza-works.com