How to make sure your hometown pizza thrives in a new city
Lauren Hodson, the owner of Lefty’s Chicago Pizzeria, has built more than just a business — she’s created a family-style community at her two beloved San Diego locations. When she first arrived in the city, she noticed a significant population of fellow Chicago transplants and saw an opportunity to bring a taste of home to her new neighborhood.
Over the years, Lauren has cultivated a loyal following of deep-dish pizza enthusiasts, many of whom she considers part of her extended family. One of her locations even features a cozy, living-room-inspired space where parents can relax while their kids enjoy a fun and welcoming environment.
“It’s really for the children,” Lauren shares. “I’ve become ‘the pizza lady’ to so many kids, and then they grow up and want to work here. I’ve given a lot of them their first job... and it’s such a rewarding experience.”
Adding to Lefty’s charm, Lauren commissions local artists to decorate her pizzerias, blending Chicago roots with San Diego flair. Her efforts have made Lefty’s Chicago Pizzeria a cherished staple in the community.
