The Santee Magazine - V12.1 - Spring 2023

Spring | 2023

INSIDE:

Santee’s Newest Hot Spot: Pizza and More at Santee Lakes

Santee Restaurant Week: Check Out Our Guide to Celebrate

A publication of the Santee Chamber of Commerce

2023 Chamber Officers

Melissa Dombo, Chair of the Board Raceway Electric & Solar – 619.596.1918

Daniel Buksa, Chair Elect Mission Realty Group – 619.368.8371

Mike Aiken, 1st Vice Chair Carlton Oaks Golf - 619.540.3295

Susie Parks, Secretary Coffee Corner - 619.368.5525

Richard Hatcher, Treasurer California Coast Credit Union619.889.5981

Darcy Fagerwold, Past Chair Expressions Dance & Movement Center619.490.7000

2023 Office Staff

Kristen Dare, ACE CEO

Jennae Gonzalez Operations Manager

Heather Bury-Charpentier Communications Coordinator

Bethany Cook Bookkeeper

Tina Firestone Retention Specialist

2023 Chamber Directors

Curtis Anderson Salon Thrive - 619.888.8407

Greg Gagnon The UPS Store - 619.249.6657

Bryan Koci Whissel Realty - 619.244.0339

Rocky Qualin Padre Dam Municipal Water District 619.258.4610

Barbara Ryan Santee School District - 619.701.5751

James Sly East County Economic Development Council619.729.1413

Pam White City of Santee - 619.258.4100 ext 223

Sarah Wood Allegiance Heating & Air Conditioning619.244.4584

9625 Mission Gorge Road, Suite B2-315 Santee, CA 92071 619.449.1515 SanteeChamber.com

HELLO SANTEE!

Food and beverages are a huge part of our life… I mean, we eat and drink something everyday, right? So with the most obvious part of this conversation out of the way, let’s talk more about what food and beverages are right here in Santee. Don’t say it, I already know: We have a lot of chicken options. Maybe you expected to see some nuggets on the cover instead of the awesome pizza there instead, but we are lucky enough to have a plethora of both so I chose the less obvious pick. Although, pizza is no underdog in terms of popularity.

With San Diego Restaurant Week happening this year from March 26th through April 2nd, I thought, why not celebrate our unique town and the amazing choices we have all around us? After all, SDRW is a celebration that showcases the diverse and upcoming culinary world in San Diego County, so let’s join the party. Selfishly, I chose a cuisine to focus on (Pages 8-11) that is an easy go-to for me and my family: pizza. After a recent visit to Santee Lakes to check out their new onsite dining option, Petes Angry Pizza. This got me to then order dinner a few days later from Giant Pizza King and to swing over to Pepper Farm Deli for lunch the next week.

Santee has much more to offer than just pizza and chicken, though. Be sure to find our guide to Santee food and beverage on Pages 3033. A special thanks goes out to those who have joined our chamber and continue to support our mission and goals. With so many great choices in town, we encourage you to all explore some local eats, treats and drinks and challenge yourself to some of the steps noted on Page 25 as we celebrate the food and beverage industry right here in our hometown.

Publisher

Santee Chamber of Commerce

Editor

Kristen Dare

Graphic Design

Nick Ossey

Contributing Editors

Melissa Dombo

Jennae Gonzalez

Committee Members

Heather Bury-Charpentier

Kristen Dare

Jennae Gonzalez

Contributing Writers

Kristen Dare

Melissa Dombo

Jennae Gonzalez

John Olsen

Contributing Photographers

Kristen Dare

Melissa Dombo

John Olsen

Printer Advantage, Inc.

- Kristen Dare, ACE Chamber of Commerce, CEO

CHAIR'S MESSAGE

Looking ahead to a great 2023 in Santee

We are well into the new year with so much on the horizon. The Santee Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce our upcoming events, and can't wait for you all to join us. From staple events like the Santee Street Fair, Santee Heroes Celebration, and the Santee Chamber Awards Night, to our new event debuting this year, Party With a Purpose, it's going to be a year filled with heart, good work, and remarkable memories. Keep up with us on social media to stay informed about all the upcoming events in our beloved city this year.

The Santee Street Fair is always one of our favorite events. There’s something for everyone - from delicious food, to live performances, to local vendors and artisan goods. We can’t wait for the Santee Chamber Awards Night, every year we celebrate and recognize Santee's Favorites contest finalists and winners as well as exclusive business honorees. It’s always inspiring to see how many amazing businesses are doing good business in our community.

This year we are introducing a brand new event called Party With a Purpose. We can't share too much yet but let's just say that it will be an evening filled with delicious food, great music and fun - all for a good cause. It promises to be one of the highlights of 2023.

Will the foodies in the room please stand up? This edition of The Santee Magazine is a must-read for you. From pizza fanatics to the occasional pie eater, everyone can enjoy what this issue has in store. We'll be showcasing some local establishments - no matter your favorite style of slice, make sure to read on and try each pizza maker yourself.

As members of The Santee Chamber of Commerce and/or readers of The Santee Magazine, we thank you for your continued support as we look forward to an exciting year. Here's wishing everyone in Santee a safe and prosperous year ahead.

- Melissa Dombo Santee Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the Board

Thank You to our

Strategic Partners

Community Catalysts

Community Conveners

Community Champions

THE CHEESY SIDE OF SANTEE: PIZZAMANIA

Any way you slice it up, Santee has a seriously good selection of, you guessed it, pizza. I already hear the comments coming in about us being the chicken mecca of the universe, so for that, I couldn’t resist bringing some light to a well-known restaurant closed on Sundays… but that’s on another page you’ll have to find. For now, let’s talk (pizza) pies!

Angry Petes Pizza at Santee Lakes

9310 Fanita Parkway, Lake 4

A special new addition to onsite dining options for Santee Lakes, this new eatery has so much to offer. Besides being one of the best views in town, this unique dough-making process for Detroit-style pizza along with Michigan themed snacks and sodas will have you glad Pete moved west. Park outside the park for a quick walk in through the pedestrian gate near Lake Canyon Road and spend some time dining on the deck, soaking up the sun and enjoying the views with their tasty treats and enjoying Pete’s company in between his other customers.

Kristen’s Menu Recommendation:

His specialty “Animal Style” pizza for those who can guess the spinoff here of another popular Santee eatery.

Giant Pizza King

9614 Carlton Hills Boulevard, Pathways Center

O ut of convenience, my family started ordering here occasionally because it was the closest to our home. Thankfully, I fell in love with their traditional and specialty pizzas and friendly service. When hosting a chamber event this past December, it was the pride we saw with ownership and staff that made us realize, they aren’t just serving pizza, they are baking with heart. They are great for those family nights you need a quick fix or for larger parties as their name implies, they have giant pizzas. Order over the phone or online, pick up or ask for delivery, and enjoy their cheesy baked perfection.

Kristen’s Menu Recommendation:

One of their specialty pizza items, the Cheesesteak Pizza which, you guessed it, honors the Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich in pizza form.

Giant Pizza King

Pepper Farm Deli

235 Town Center Parkway, Suite H

Okay, I get it… this is a deli, not a pizza shop. But I had to give some love to another style of pizza and a delicious go-to for many: the flatbread pizza. Although I may frequent this shop for more than just their pizza, the quality of their product is always impressive. If you are in the mood for some high-end dining with a quick-service option, this is your spot. You may even recognize some friendly faces behind the counter (Hi Francis and John!) if you’ve been to their other business around the corner, iSquad.

Kristen’s Menu Recommendation: The Chicken Chipotle Flatbread which includes chicken, mozzarella cheese, house chipotle sauce, red onions, avocado and bacon.

Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing

9828 Mission Gorge Road in Trolley Square

Oggi’s has become a Santee staple. With it being right in the heart of town, it makes for an easy pairing with shopping in Trolley Square, a place to watch your favorite games, or even to head to after your kids have played theirs and you need the patio space to accommodate the team. I always trust a restaurant that can consistently stay busy - it tells me their menu is worth the wait.

Kristen’s Menu Recommendation:

March Madness because 5 different cheeses never tasted better together!

Filippi's Pizza Grotto

10767 Woodside Avenue

Filippi’s is the place I want to go when I am craving the ultimate amount of cheese on my pizza. With their toppings hidden under the cheese on most of their pies, it’s easy to get excited about the gooey goodness you’re about to take in. I also love the family atmosphere inside; it seems like every time I dine in, there’s a celebration taking place just a table away.

Kristen’s Menu Recommendation: All White Pizza for when you want something different than marinara!

Filippi's Pizza Grotto

Pepper Farm Deli

Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing

Although I could probably fill this entire magazine with reviews on every pizza joint in town, I won’t. I will, however, give you a quick list of other pizza places in town that I’m sure you have already tried, some more than once! Be sure to post your favorites on social media and share with hashtag #TasteOfSantee23 to be featured on the Santee Chamber’s pages and win a gift card to your favorite restaurant in town!

Domino’s 10251 Mast Boulevard

Kristen’s Favorite: Carry Out deals for when I need good pizza but also a good bargain!

Fox’s Giant Pizza

8011 Mission Gorge Road

Kristen’s Favorite:

Popeye Pizza for when I’m in the mood for vegetarian/meatless!

Giant Bronx Pizza & Pasta

8790 Cuyamaca Street

Kristen’s Favorite:

The create your own Gluten-Free Pizza because options are endless!

Giant New York Pizza

8933 Carlton Hills Boulevard

Kristen’s Favorite: White Chicken Pizza because it allows me to go straight to the ranch!

Little Caesars

9720 Mission Gorge Road

Kristen’s Favorite: Slices-N-Stix because it’s half pizza, half cheesy bread, all goodness!

Nicolosi’s - NOW OPEN!

9420 Cuyamaca Street

Kristen’s Favorite: Thin Crust Favorite Pizza for when I’m in the mood for black olives!

Roundtable Pizza

9824 Magnolia Avenue

Kristen’s Favorite:

Maui Zaui because I love keeping the pineapple on pizza debate alive!

– Kristen Dare, ACE Santee Chamber of Commerce

SOCIALIZING SANTEE

Golf Tournament

The Santee Chamber of Commerce hosted our 4th annual Veterans Appreciation Golf Tournament back in November. The tournament was sold out yet again! It was an amazing day of fun with 18 holes, breakfast provided by Jimmy’s of Santee, bloody mary’s served by Deano’s Pub, coffee donated from Coffee Corner, lunch on the course from John’s Sweetfire BBQ, raffle and auction items to win, and awards at the end of the tournament!

Santee Fire Department & SD County Sheriff’s Pancake Breakfast

In November we were able to grub on some yummy pancakes at the Santee Fire and San Diego County Sheriff’s Pancake Breakfast. We spent the morning at Fire Station #5 where they made it a great family outing with a balloon artist and face painter. You even had the opportunity to take a look in the fire engine which Santee Chamber CEO Kristen Dare couldn’t even resist!

Open

Flashy Lash Grand Opening

In January the Santee Chamber was able to welcome Flashy Lash to Santee. Flashy Lash is owned by a very ambitious 25-year-old, Megan Upton. Megan went above and beyond for her Grand Opening with food, drinks, desserts, goodie bags and a giveaway for a free service. Services offered include facials, waxing and eyelash extensions and more. We encourage you to schedule an upcoming appointment with Megan at 619.905.9554.

Morning Buzz

If you are looking for a casual networking opportunity we encourage you to attend our monthly Morning Buzz. These are hosted every first Wednesday of the month at Coffee Corner #2. Grab a cup of coffee, bring your business cards, and be prepared to make some new connections. This event is open to current and prospective Chamber members that are wanting to learn more about the benefits of the Santee Chamber.

SHOP SANTEE

With several great options for Breakfast in Santee… let me bring a few of my favorites to the table. Be sure to use hashtag #TasteofSantee23 when visiting and sharing on social media!

Broken Yolk Café

9832 Mission Gorge Road in Trolley Square

The Original Broken Yolk Café started in 1979 in PB, but Santee was blessed with our location last year. Some highlights include their signature benedicts, mimosa flights, homemade sauces and their service! Download their app to collect points, join their waitlist online to dine at their location, or use either to place an order for delivery, curbside pick up or to-go.

Kristen’s Favorite: Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Janet’s Café and Deli

9225 Carlton Hills Boulevard in Carlton Oaks Plaza

Many of us all know and love the Alpine original, so when Janet’s Cafe came to Santee, it had a built-in customer base. With the friendliest owners and the great atmosphere, I prefer the remodeled patio area for outdoor dining and with Mast Park practically being their backyard, it’s a no-brainer for a weekend breakfast spot and stroll in the park.

Kristen’s Favorite: Cinnamon Roll French Toast

Jimmy’s of Santee

9635 Mission Gorge Road

Since 1977, Jimmy’s has been Santee’s neighborhood restaurant and gathering place. Home cooked American food characterizes their menu, serving up classic comfort dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Remodeled just last year, they’ve also refreshed the menu to bring great flavors and your favorite foods, with something for everyone.

Kristen’s Favorite: Chicken & Waffle

The Omelette Factory

8860 North Magnolia Ave.

Since 1994 the Giforos family has worked hard to build this popular restaurant. Their success comes from serving generous portions of freshly-made food at fair prices. What a better way to start your day than with a hot fresh cup of coffee. The muffins, biscuits, soups, dressings and food are carefully selected and made daily at the restaurant.

Kristen’s Favorite: Californian Omelette

– Kristen Dare, ACE Santee Chamber of Commerce

#santeecares

Help us shine a light on what makes our community so wonderful by sharing your story of kindness!

They the new the w part the mem to in build

SDCC Baseball Team Visits the Santee Success Program

The baseball team from San Diego Christian College (SDCC) flooded the grounds of the Santee School District's Success Program (SSP) for SDCC’s annual community impact day. What a sight! They arrived at SSP in the morning and worked in the outdoor garden building shade structures and sanding and painting other existing structures. They even stayed longer to fix the basketball backboard, hang new nets and weed and beautify the whole outside area The best part was their interactions with the students of SSP. The team members and SSP students got to interact and work together building amazing relationships. The students of SSP said it was the best day they have had this year! It was an amazing sight to behold and experience.

Submitted by: Santee Success Program

Kindness in the Community

MY HOMETOWN

MEET FUTURE RESIDENTS AND NEW CHICK-FIL-A OPERATORS, ZACH AND GINA ZIMMERMAN

For most of us, the Chick-Fil-A is a well known restaurant and we are grateful to have a location in Santee. I’m sure many of us go based on taste alone, but we have been blessed with an amazing Restaurant Operator the past few years. For those who were worried upon receipt of the news that he was moving out of state, I am please to have met the new Restaurant Operator, Zach Zimmerman and his wife and business partner, Gina.

This amazing newlywed couple are a perfect fit into our family-rich community. With previous experience having operated a Chick-Fil-A in the LA area, they come to Santee with an exciting perspective and smart approach to business. Having grown up in North County, Gina is thrilled to be back in San Diego County, which she considers “home”. It didn’t take long for the couple to see what Santee was all about. Their excellent staff and customers made it clear, this is a real community and they couldn’t wait to be a part of it. In fact, they are relocating to become Santee residents soon, to not just be close to the store, but to be our neighbors and share in everything this city has to offer.

For those who already know and love Chick-Fil-A, this may not be news, but they have a multitude of service options available for their food and beverage services. Let me remind you of them:

Dine In: Check out their indoor restaurant and outdoor patio seating from 6:30am-9pm every Monday through Saturday.

Take Out: Same as the dine in option but you get your goodies to go.

Curbside: For those who enjoy the app (and me who enjoys sending my son to pick up!), curbside started during the pandemic and looks like it’s here to stay.

Drivethrough: For those who want to stay in the car, they have a reputation as being one of the fastest drivethroughs in town.

Catering: When you have a large group and want to cater, consider large portions for pick up or delivery.

Fundraising: Zach and Gina made it very clear, they want to support this community! Bring in your organization and see if they can help you raise funds while eating some delicious food and spending local.

– Kristen Dare, ACE Santee Chamber of Commerce

Your Kids • Their Summer • Our Camps

City of SANTEE SUMMER Day CAMP

Activities featured: Craft projects, sports, games, art creations, weekly swim sessions at the City of Santee Aquatics Center, field trips and a camp T-shirt (one per camper annually).

Santee Day Camp

Days:

Youth entering Grades 1-5 Campers will enjoy their summer full of fun, friends and adventure! Campers are engaged in structured, supervised activities throughout each day, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

X-Factor Camp

Youth entering Grades 6-9 (up to age 15) X-Factor campers will be in a camp specifically designed for their age group which includes traditional camp activities plus walking field trips, outdoor recreation and field trip privileges. After 2:00PM, Teen Center membership is required. Membership is $52 annually.

Check out our Jr Camp Leader opportunities for teens ages 14-17 at SanteeRec.com

Weekly camp activity schedules are posted online at SanteeRec.com and provided by Friday of prior week. Tuesdays are field trip days and Wednesdays are swim days (subject to change). Activities vary daily.

Multi-Family Member Discounts

For full weekly registrations only. $20 off second child, $30 off each additional child.

5 WAYS TO CELEBRATE RESTAURANTS IN SANTEE

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL FOOD AND BEVERAGE SCENE WITH THESE FIVE TIPS TO GET A #TASTEOFSANTEE23

Eat and Drink Local

You guessed it, the best way to celebrate local business is to be their customer. Although I cook often in my own kitchen, it feels great to support a nearby restaurant or coffee shop when I need the break or want to treat myself.

Buy a Gift Card/Certificate

The best way to be a good customer is to give them another! Consider a random act of kindness and pick up a gift card to your favorite eatery and give it to a neighbor, family member, friend, or your kiddo’s teacher, coach, or tutor.

Write a Helpful Review

It’s not just Yelp who has all the review glory these days. Try Google or Facebook if you prefer a different platform. I love including photos and remembering the golden rule: If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.

Leave a Tip

Let’s be honest, the labor shortage is real. Employers everywhere are struggling to find help and the food and beverage industry is high on that list. Let’s show some love to those who show up and serve you.

Share on Social Media

Help with their marketing and promote their business at no cost to you. Show off something you enjoyed in hopes someone else will be next in line. Use hashtag #TasteOfSantee23 and maybe you’ll be chosen for a gift from the Santee Chamber to that business!

SANTEE SCOOP

Hi, I’m John Olsen, a longtime resident and business advocate of Santee. As an active member of the Santee Chamber I often showcase upcoming development projects and events around town. Facebook.com/SanteeUpdate

We are off to the start of a busy year, Santee! We’re already seeing several new businesses prepare to join our community. There are several spaces in town that we’ve been anxiously waiting to see what will be moving there, and we finally have some answers! Here are just a few of the businesses that are

Nicolosi’s has a long, tasty history in San Diego, and it’s next chapter is starting in Santee! They will be moving to the old Pizza Hut space in the Food 4 Less Plaza. They are expected to open early March, so be sure to give them

We’ve been curious to see what is going to replace the old Hometown Buffet, and we finally have an exciting answer! Chuck E. Cheese is launching a new, modern, rebranded format at their Santee location. We’re excited to see what

Over at the corner of Mission Gorge and Buena Vista, we’re seeing the construction site for Popeye’s Chicken. We have quite the variety of chicken places here in Santee, but Popeye’s was a welcome addition to the options. If you “Love that chicken from Popeye’s,” be on the lookout for the opening of

Nothing beats a hot bowl of Phô on a cold and rainy day, and pretty soon we’ll have another contender! Mom’s Phô & Grill has recently secured permits for the “Santee Hair & Nail Spa” space over near Home Depot and The Coffee

Moving out of California? Looking to retire? The housing market has been going through a lot of quick changes recently. If you have any questions or would like more information, give me a call or send me a text today!

https://www.sandiegoville.com/2023/01/first-new-age-chuck-e-cheese-location-to-open-in-san-diego.html

Join Us!

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12, 2023

9:00AM - 2:00PM

YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS SHOWCASE THEIR BUSINESS VENTURES

Children ages 6-17 years old develop a brand, create a product or service, build a market strategy, and then open for business in this one-day marketplace.

LOCATION: SANTEE, CALIFORNIA ENTRY FEE: $20 FOR INFO AND TO REGISTER: SCAN THE QR CODE OR USE: www.childrensbusinessfair.org

/santee-california

Mentors for Young Entrepreneurs are Available Upon Request

HOSTED BY

SANTEE'S 1ST CHILDREN'S BUSINESS FAIR FUNDING PROVIDED BY K-12 Community Grant

2023 SANTEE FOOD & BEVERAGE GUIDE

2023 SANTEE FOOD & BEVERAGE GUIDE

Kaffe

Motorcycle

Starbucks

Starbucks (Barnes & Noble)

2023 SANTEE FOOD & BEVERAGE GUIDE

Hilberto’s

Los Amigos 10251 Mast Boulevard

Mr. Birria 8926 Carlton Hills Boulevard

Rubio’s Coastal Grill 130 Town Center Parkway

Santana’s Mexican Food 10075 Mission Gorge Road

Soriana’s Mexican Food 9470 Cuyamaca Street

Taco Bell 9825 Mission Gorge Road

Tu Taco 9740 Cuyamaca Street

Pizza Angry Petes Pizza 9310 Fanita Parkway

Domino’s 10251 Mast Boulevard

Filippi's

Fox’s

2023 SANTEE FOOD & BEVERAGE GUIDE

Tea Bars

Boba Joy 9261 Mission Gorge Road

Daboba 8917 Carlton Hills Boulevard

Kung Fu Tea 9535 Mission Gorge Road

Thai Gor Gai Thai 205 Town Center Parkway

Khao San Thai Kitchen 9490 North Cuyamaca Street

Leela Thai Cuisine 9725 Mission Gorge Road

Sab-E-Lee 9159 Mission Gorge Road

Thai Thai Restaurant 10251 Mast Boulevard

Vietnamese Mom’s Pho & Grill 235 Town Center Parkway

Pho Ca Dao 9535 Mission Gorge Road

Pho Mai Cali 9888 Magnolia Avenue

Pho Van 8790 Cuyamaca Street

FOOD & BEVERAGE MEMBERS

Thank you to our food and beverage members for supporting the Santee Chamber and our community at large. We appreciate the value you add to Santee!

#TasteOfSantee23

COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDE

CARNIVAL RIDES

21+ BEER GARDE

CARNIVAL RIDES

YOUTH ART SHO

21+ BEER GARDEN

FOOD & BEVERA

YOUTH ART SHOW

LOCAL PERFORM

FOOD & BEVERAGES

LOCAL PERFORMANCES

TROLLEY SQUARE EAST ON RIVERVIEW PKWY/TOWN CENTER PKWY

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