By Jason KUROSU

The Straw Hat Pizza Grill is set for a grand opening this April, the latest addition to La Crescenta’s restaurants and the 11th Straw Hat in Southern California. Straw Hat will be located at 3463 Foothill Blvd., the spot formerly occupied by Shakey’s and Uratu.

Owner Christopher McReynolds said he and his wife Stephanie have been attempting to purchase the property for the past two and a half years. McReynolds, who founded and owned Montrose Christian Montessori School from 1985 to 2010, said entering the restaurant business was an opportunity to do “something that challenges our abilities and creativity again.”

McReynolds said the “pizza grill” aspect will set it apart from other Straw Hat locations and local restaurants, as well as the relatively large size of the establishment compared to other family-style restaurants.

“We had the option of securing other smaller locations for our restaurant, but we elected to pursue this one, which is over 5,500 square feet, because it is simply the best possible choice in terms of size and centrality of location within the Valley area. We feel that all residents from La Cañada to Sunland can be well served by this particular location. Whether customers want to run in to pick up a pizza to take home, or sit down and enjoy a couple of hours of the big game, we can do the job.

“The restaurant will be equipped with several big screen TVs, a golden oldies jukebox, and a video arcade for kids. Our party room can be reserved for birthdays, reunions, team events, or business meetings, and our fundraisers will generate more funds for our local organizations than just about anyone else can offer,” said McReynolds.

According to McReynolds, renovations currently being made to the property should be finished by mid-April, with a tentative opening date of April 29, though that date is subject to change.

For information, visit, Facebook.com/StrawHatPizzaLaCrescenta.

  Jason Kurosu