By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Family Pizza & Bar owner happy over 2013 move
Family pizza
The Ceres Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on Nov. 17 at Family Pizza & Bar, 2921 Whitmore Avenue just west of Mitchell Road. Owner Sukhi Mann is seen holding a proclamation of commendation. - photo by Contributed to the Courier

Name of business: Family Pizza & Bar.

Type of business: Pizza restaurant and bar.
Location: 2921 Whitmore Ave., Ceres.

Hours of operation: Daily from 8:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Contact info: (209) 537-4791.

History of business: Sukhi Mann, owner of Family Pizza & Bar, says business has increased significantly following his move to a more visible location down Whitmore Avenue over two years ago.

In November 2013 the business moved from its home of 24 years, the Richland Shopping Center, to 2921 Whitmore Ave. The restaurant didn't have the best reputation for many years because it attracted a different clientele. Now that it is "more exposed," Mann said the business has "changed 180 degrees."

"We were kind of like in a secluded place in the shopping center," said Mann, 67, who quit his job at Procter & Gamble 26 years ago to go into the pizza business.

"There was no exposure. Whitmore traffic couldn't see us. Now that we're here our pizza business has moved up like 25 percent. We're getting busier because people are finding out we have the best pizza."

He said that during the Nov. 17 ribbon cutting ceremony, the Ceres Chamber of Commerce delegation devoured six large pizzas in 20 minutes.

"They loved the pizza," said Mann.

The restaurant also serves chicken wings, chicken strips, onion rings, fish and chips and salad. Mann claims the pizza sandwich is the only one in Ceres and is a top seller.

"There's a guy who's been buying pizza sandwiches from us for 25 years now," he said. "It's made like a pizza but on two pieces of French bread."

"It's like a neighborhood bar now. A lot of people come here. We have pool tables and pizza delivery."

The business was started in 1969 by Doug Lane.