Earlier this summer I had the opportunity to visit Organ Stop Pizza and, to be honest, my first thought was “Why didn’t I come sooner?” I grew up in the East Valley, yet this was my first time at the famous “home of the mighty Wurlitzer”—and I definitely regret not coming sooner! This entertainment attraction is the whole package, and a must-see if you live in or plan to visit the Valley of the Sun.
Dining at Organ Stop Pizza. Photo courtesy Organ Stop Pizza
While the food at Organ Stop Pizza is basic pizza, salad, appetizers, ice cream and drinks, the main draw is the mighty Wurlitzer, the nation’s largest pipe organ. According to the restaurant, Organ Stop’s professional organists play everything from Bach to rock to crowds of up to 700 people every night. My favorite memory from my experience there is seeing my son’s eyes light up when they played some melodies from Star Wars. They also treated my husband and I to a Happy Anniversary song—kudos for that too!
Another one of my favorite things about the restaurant is that it gives back to the local community. For example, they recently hosted a Musical Luncheon where 100% of the proceeds went to the 100 Club of Arizona. They participated in a Christmas in July Food Drive earlier this summer as well.
Pizza Making at Organ Stop Pizza. Photo courtesy Organ Stop Pizza
To learn more about this great East Valley treasure, Jack Barz, co-owner of Organ Stop Pizza, answered a few of my questions. Here’s the inside scoop:
Q. In your own words, how did Organ Stop Pizza get its start?
The author’s son and mother-in-law enjoy the performance and music at Organ Stop Pizza. Photo by Michelle Talsma Everson
A. Organ Stop got started by a Phoenix real estate developer, Bill Brown, who loved the theater organ and had always wanted to own a restaurant. He opened the first restaurant in Phoenix in 1972, the second restaurant was in Mesa (at the original location on Dobson and Southern) in 1975, and opened a location in Tucson in 1976. The Tucson location never really took off but Phoenix and Mesa did well. He sold both restaurants in 1984; the Phoenix restaurant closed about two years later. Mesa continued to become more and more popular so we built the new building at Stapley and Southern roads to double our seating capacity to the current level of 700.
Q. Why is Organ Stop a great place for families?
A. It is a truly multi-generational restaurant; all age groups can share in the excitement of one-of-a-kind performance created by our talented organists.
Q. How is your restaurant involved in the community?
A. In addition to giving away hundred of free pizzas every year to local schools, churches and other groups, we also hold fundraising events where we give 20% of the sales for the group back to the organization. We also have started getting more involved in other organizations like the 100 Club of Arizona. For example, in 2012, we did an 8-week promo with them and were able to donate more than $2,000.
Q. Anything visitors should keep in mind before they go?
A. In an effort to try to keep our prices as low as possible, we do not accept credit or
debit cards. So be sure to bring cash or your checkbook!
While it’s location in the East Valley might be a bit of a drive for some, it’s completely worth it for a musical theatre meets pizza deliciousness experience. With a son in love with Star Wars music and in-laws who met in college in a pit orchestra, you can bet that my crew will be back.
Contact Information
Organ Stop Pizza
1149 E Southern Avenue, Mesa
480.813.5700
organstoppizza.com
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