Little Beast Brewing is launching an exciting new venture in its beer garden on Thursday, April 24, with the arrival of Prettyboy Pizza, a new pizza operation owned by pizzamaker Justin Moore.
Moore, who has honed his skills at renowned local establishments like Boxcar Pizza and Scottie’s Pizza Parlor, is now ready to share his passion for pizza with the community. His offerings will include grandma pies, pesto bites, and salads, perfectly paired with Little Beast’s selection of craft beers.
Moore’s journey into the world of pizza started when he moved from Oregon to California with his wife. Odie O’Connor, the owner of Boxcar Pizza, recognized his interest in pizzamaking and gifted him a beginner’s pizza book, sparking his culinary aspirations.
In San Diego, Moore took on various dishwashing roles in pizzerias, soaking up invaluable knowledge and experience. When the couple returned to Portland at the onset of the pandemic, O’Connor brought Moore on board to help launch Boxcar Pizza.
After four years of learning under O’Connor’s mentorship, Moore realized he had the drive and vision to start his own venture. He noted, “Getting to learn pizza from him made it clear that this is what I wanted to do. There’s just something about the way Odie ran that shop; it reminded me that food can be really silly and fun.”
Moore spent the years 2023 baking pizzas out of his home kitchen, delivering personal pizzas to friends at music shows, and gradually building his reputation in the community. However, he sought further mentorship and spent a year shadowing Scott Rivera at Scottie’s Pizza before embracing the opportunity to open Prettyboy Pizza.
Among various pizza styles, Moore found his niche with grandma pies, which allow for a hearty crust and creative toppings. He shared his enthusiasm, saying, “With a pan pizza, you can be just so ridiculous with it. I’ve worked in some serious kitchens, and it’s not my vibe.”
His passion translated into innovative pizza creations topped with unique items like buffalo chicken, onions, and complementary sauces. Reflecting on his early cooking attempts, Moore chuckled about how they looked back then. “Those early tries looked heinous,” he admitted, highlighting how those humble beginnings inspired the name Prettyboy Pizza.
“When I first met my wife, I lied and said I knew how to make pizzas,” he recalled, laughing. “I made these ridiculous-looking … I hesitate to even call them pizzas. And that was her joke: ‘Whoa, these are some pretty boys you made me.’”
Today, Moore’s pizzas are a far cry from those early attempts, showcasing a core menu that flavors traditional favorites like cheese and pepperoni alongside a rotating special. He calls this special pie the Sinful Trinity, featuring in-house made sauces topped with a blend of red sauce, vodka sauce, and pesto.
To complement the pizzas, the menu at Prettyboy Pizza includes cheesy garlic bread, pesto bites that resemble cinnamon rolls filled with pesto, a Caesar salad, and a seasonal spring salad with poppy seed vinaigrette, hazelnuts, and Parmesan.
Moore is keen on making his menu accessible to everyone, proudly offering vegan options for all dishes upon request, a lesson learned during his time at Boxcar Pizza.
Looking ahead, he also plans to introduce a gluten-free dough once he settles into his new operation. Moore joked about the necessity of this option, stating that he is “contractually obligated” to offer it, considering his wife is celiac.
As the grand opening approaches, Moore envisions a vibrant beer garden atmosphere, inviting patrons to enjoy pizza while sipping on craft beer or non-alcoholic options from Little Beast Brewing. “It’s summertime, so you come in, enjoy some beer, or a NA beer, and sit on this cool patio,” he said.
Moore mentioned that he plans to establish a website and potentially offer delivery in the future, but for now, he is eager for the community to come and experience what Prettyboy Pizza has to offer.
image source from：https://pdx.eater.com/2025/4/24/24415909/portland-prettyboy-pizza-little-beast-brewing-beer-garden
