Next Tuesday, October 11th, Escape From New York Pizza will celebrate 30 years in business on Haight Street.

The Haight Street pizzeria, which was the first of what are now five locations, opened in October 1986, said co-owner Tim Parker. It was founded by Paul Geffner and Joe Goldmark, the latter of whom was also one of the founding owners of Amoeba Records.

Parker said he's been with the business since 1991, initially as "the flyer guy," handing out promo coupons for the shop at Haight and Clayton streets. Since then, he's worked his way up to partial ownership. (Parker said that four of the five current owners worked their way up from the shop.)

Despite frequent claims from residents of the neighborhood becoming more dangerous, or chaotic, or messy, Parker thinks the 'hood is pretty much just like it's always been. "I don't really think that it has changed, that's the thing. It's pretty much always been the same."

"But," he added, "I don't dare say I've seen it all."

In honor of the anniversary next Tuesday, the proceeds from slice sales at all five Escape locations will be donated to United Playaz, Larkin Street Youth Services' Haight Street Referral Center, and the Tenderloin Afterschool Program.

In addition to the celebration on October 11th, District 5 Supervisor London Breed will be dropping by the Haight Street store on Thursday, October 13th at 2pm to present a commendation from the Board of Supervisors.

Parker also said that Escape From New York has applied for recognition under the city's legacy business registry, with a nomination from Supervisor Breed. The hearing on Escape's legacy status will be held on October 24th.

"Hopefully," said Parker, "we will have more good news to report in late October."