Prince Street Pizza is set to make a significant move by transforming the iconic Arby’s location on Sunset Boulevard into a drive-thru slice shop. In an exclusive interview, operating partner Lawrence Longo shared his vision for the new venture, marking a bold step for the renowned pizzeria.
Longo, who recently opened Prince Street Pizza’s 11th location in Pacific Beach on July 4 and is preparing to launch the 12th in Costa Mesa later this month, initially considered inviting a high-profile chef to create roast beef sandwiches at the Hollywood site. However, he quickly saw the potential for a pizza slice shop with extended hours, a perfect fit for the space where Arby’s operated for 55 years.
“I got offered the space to do something with a short-term lease,” Longo explained. “And I was really thinking I’ve always wanted to do a Prince Street Pizza drive-thru. Because of the sheer volume we do at Coachella, I knew we could handle it.”
The new Prince Street Pizza at 5920 Sunset Blvd. will open its doors from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m., starting August 8 through Halloween, catering to late-night cravings. Known for its Spicy Spring slices, featuring thick pepperoni cups and fra diavolo sauce on a Sicilian square, this location will also introduce mozzarella sticks for the first time.
Longo recognizes the unique opportunity presented by the historic location. “So many people have the idea of doing a drive-thru, but the cost of entry is so expensive,” he said. “If you want to open a drive-thru, I think you’ve usually got to spend at least a million dollars.”
A savvy marketer, Longo is considering how to leverage the iconic Arby’s neon sign on Sunset Boulevard. He acknowledges that the sign holds significant sentimental value to the community, potentially more than the food itself. “That’s what I want to do, but what I’m going to do is whatever’s right for the community, whatever the community and the city tell me I’m allowed to do,” Longo emphasized.
Longo’s passion for preserving food history is evident in his efforts to resurrect Los Angeles legends like Irv’s Burgers. “I just think the nostalgia of American brands is so important,” he said. Longo recently opened the sixth Irv’s Burgers location in Pacific Beach, aiming to revive the charm of roadside burger stands while ensuring they can scale effectively.
With plans to expand Prince Street Pizza to Miami, Chicago, Arizona, Dallas, and L.A.’s Westlake Village, Longo is constantly working on new locations. If the Hollywood drive-thru pop-up proves successful, it could serve as a prototype for future expansions.