
After serving the community with its signature sourdough pizzas for the past 12 years, Forge Pizza Oakland has officially closed its doors at its iconic Jack London Square location. In an announcement on social media, the Forge Pizza team expressed a heartfelt goodbye to the space that fostered many cherished moments among patrons. "Our time here was more than just about pizza and beer – it was a vibe," the post expounded on the atmosphere that built the restaurant's identity.
The closure, however, is said not to be the final chapter for Forge Pizza. They are set to open two new locations in the East Bay soon. According to a San Francisco Chronicle report, the expansion includes an outpost at the Oakland International Airport scheduled for January and another in the Rockridge neighborhood, with plans to take over the former Beer Baron space at 5900 College Ave. The Rockridge lease has yet to be finalized, as owner Michael Karp conveyed in an email to The Chronicle. "But this is not the end. It’s just the beginning of an exciting new chapter," the social media announcement from Forge echoed, signaling the brand's intentions to perpetuate the same ambiance they've been known for.
A staple in the community, Forge Pizza earned its reputation for its distinctive pizzas, its array of snacks like fried cheese curds, and the scenic view it offered diners. Launched as part of Les Bon Temps Restaurants, Forge's establishment was seen as a milestone in the revitalization of Jack London Square a decade ago. Michael Karp, alongside Bob Burke, helmed the project with Jeff Krupman, hailed for his subsequent venture PizzaHacker, having played an integral role as Forge’s director of pizza R&D.
Moreover, Karp appears to decisively sustain his presence in the Bay Area food scene with plans to open a new restaurant at the Deer Ridge Country Club in Brentwood come spring. This development comes after several high-profile closures in Jack London Square, including the French restaurant Left Bank, which shuttered last November. "We look forward to continuing to serve you, just in new spaces that will carry forward the same love and energy that made Forge Pizza what it is," the social media post from Forge Pizza Oakland mentioned.