Solorzano’s Pizzerias already have a reputation for some of the area’s most popular pizza
By Jennifer Amato
Someone call Dave Portnoy: Phil Solorzano — the self-proclaimed “Pizza GOAT” — is returning to Sarasota.
Solorzano’s primary role throughout his career has been opening pizzerias under his family name and selling licensing agreements. Solorzano’s Pizza, Solorzano’s Bros. Pizzerias and Solorzano’s Pizzerias have operated in Sarasota, Gulf Gate, Longboat Key, North Port and Venice over the years. Although some locations were later sold to other operators, Solorzano is now back in town with two new projects: Solorzano’s Pizzerias Pizza Express near Gulf Gate and Solorzano’s Pizzeria on Main Street in downtown Sarasota.
“I’m bringing back top-quality Solorzano pizza to the area,” he said. “It was time for me to come back. … The Pizza GOAT is back in town.”
The Pizza Express location on South Tamiami Trail is replacing the former Johnny Tomatoes Pizza and Domino’s space inside a gas station — but Solorzano insists this will be far from typical gas-station pizza.
The menu will include many offerings from his other pizzerias, and Solorzano said he plans to change the atmosphere by adding outdoor seating, televisions, and beer and wine service. The site also will feature a drive-thru window, delivery directly to the beach and e-bike rentals.
Previously in business with his brother Carlos Jr., Solorzano is now partnering with his cousin Ricky Roma, creating what he calls an even more “Jersey” experience and using the hashtag #realjerseypizza.
“We are the dynamic duo … double trouble … coming back strong,” he said.
The Solorzano family pizza legacy dates back to 1977 in New Jersey. Phil’s late grandfather, Filippo Centrella, opened Filippo Pizza in Hoboken, while Phil’s father, Carlos, operated locations in Hoboken, Edgewater and Union City.
Phil’s own journey took an unexpected turn after a family vacation to the Smoky Mountains, where he wanted his children to experience snow for the first time. After purchasing a cabin in Pigeon Forge during the trip, Solorzano became interested in opening restaurants in the area. However, he said securing leases proved difficult because a small group of families owned many of the local businesses.
Determined to bring Solorzano’s Pizzeria to the Southeast, he waited months for city approvals before learning — through a guidance counselor at his children’s school — that her husband happened to be the town’s mayor. Solorzano said the permits were approved the next day.
Solorzano eventually established four Tennessee pizzerias before licensing them out and returning to Sarasota, where he had lived since 2003 after convincing his family to relocate from the Northeast to Siesta Key following a vacation there when he was 19.
Today, Solorzano operates several unique locations, including Solorzano’s Pizzeria & Poolside Bistro in Orlando, known for its party atmosphere, full liquor bar and weekend DJs. Another location operates inside Dezerland Park in Orlando, the state’s largest indoor attraction.
Last year, Solorzano also took over Sbarro locations at Lakeland Square Mall in Lakeland, Eagle Ridge Mall in Lake Wales, Lakeshore Mall in Sebring and Volusia Mall in Daytona Beach. He said another partnership is in the works with a Hilton hotel in Daytona Beach.
Beyond his larger-than-life personality, Solorzano said the success of his pizza comes from a commitment to quality ingredients and refusing to cut corners.
One of the restaurant’s signature items is the upside-down vodka pizza, highlighted by Pizza Today magazine in January for its 36-hour fermented dough, fresh mozzarella, basil and optional toppings such as fried chicken or pepperoni. Solorzano said the pizza accounts for roughly 25% of total sales.
Other menu favorites include The Lambo — inspired by the colors of the Italian flag with rows of pesto, vodka and marinara sauces — and the Hoboken Heart Attack, a meat-heavy pie loaded with pepperoni, sausage, meatballs and bacon. The Centrella pizza features ricotta, mozzarella, spinach, onion, garlic, tomatoes and basil.
Paninis, salads, garlic bread, pasta dishes, stromboli, calzones and rolls also are available.
Among the restaurant’s honors are TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award 2025, recognizing Solorzano’s among the top 10% of pizza restaurants worldwide, as well as being named the No. 1 pizzeria in Central Florida by TripAdvisor.
Solorzano also became known for his unconventional business decisions during the pandemic. When restaurants were forced to close indoor dining, he moved tables and chairs into parking lots to continue serving customers outdoors. When stricter rules followed, he said he added pasta and sauce displays to qualify the business as a market.
During shortages of toilet paper and bleach, Solorzano purchased pallets of supplies and gave customers a free item with every pizza purchase.
“I refused to close,” he said. “Instead, I capitalized.”
He also gained viral attention by offering a lifetime free slice of pizza to anyone who tattooed his logo — his face — on their body. So far, 115 people have taken him up on the offer.
When food costs surged several years ago, Solorzano created the controversial “FJB” pepperoni pizza as a political statement referencing former President Joe Biden.
“I got hate mail … and I was sent trophies,” he said with a laugh.
Solorzano said he believes the key to his success goes beyond recipes.
“Anyone can go on Google and figure out how to make pizza,” he said. “But the Solorzano history, personality and charisma are key. I care. I’m around talking to people. I’m interacting. … It’s authentic. It’s welcoming.”
To thank longtime customers, Solorzano said lower distributor costs now allow him to reduce prices at the Siesta Key location, where a 16-inch cheese pizza will cost $16.50 instead of $20.
“We’re bringing back the heat to Sarasota,” Solorzano said, adding that extending his family’s legacy “means the world” to him. “The pizza legend is back. The boss is back. We are ready.”
Solorzano’s Pizzerias Pizza Express is located at 5808 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, just over the South Bridge. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. Customers may dine in, use the drive-thru or order delivery.
For more information, visit or follow @solorzanos_pizzerias on Instagram. The pizza hotline is 941-210-3086.
