GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - The “El Jefe” (which translates to the “The Boss”) pizza at Our Town Pizzeria will officially have a new name.

The downtown Gridley pizzeria is known for its specialty pies and dedication to the heritage and people of our community. Its walls are decorated with historical and current pictures of buildings, people, events, and sports teams from the area. Therefore, owner Levi Dake and his brother Brandon Dake, who helps manage the family-oriented business, decided to rename one of their pizzas after a very special person that was well-known in town: Hozer Santillan.

To most, Jose De Jesus Santillan was known as “Hozer” - an always cheerful man of large stature and an even bigger heart who was deeply loved by the people of Gridley. Hozer passed away unexpectedly in 2021, leaving behind a wife and four children.

Apparently, the Tuesday special “El Jefe” from Our Town was one of Hozer’s favorites. In tribute and memory of the gracious man, the pizzeria changed its name to “The Hozer”. In an online post, Levi said that they had been wanting to rename the pizza for a while and that “It will now be called the Hozer. When we first opened this was our special pizza on Tuesdays and without fail, Hozer would be here to order it. We miss having him around and this is the least we could do. He was very much a part of Our Town.” Brandon added that “We wanted something Gridley could always remember him by. You know, he was a hard guy to forget with that smile and curly hair. He was always super friendly with everybody!”

His wife Christy Santillan said that it was an honor that Our Town made the change in tribute to her late husband. “Levi asked me months ago and I was shocked. It was nice that Hozer is remembered by more than just us (family).” 

When the pizzeria made the announcement on Facebook that the “El Jefe” would be known as “The Hozer” many community members commented positively about it and the man it is now named after. Santillan said, “All the comments on Our Town’s post really took my breath away. So many nice things were said.”

Never wanting any attention, Hozer was discreetly behind many acts of selfless giving and kindness to members of the Gridley community. Santillan said that the scope of that generosity was even unknown to her until after his passing.

Tuesday, July 11 was the first day the newly monikered “The Hozer” was available to order and it will remain the day’s special. The pizza features a jalapeño white sauce topped with jack cheese and chorizo sausage. After it comes out of the oven, it is topped with shredded lettuce, Pico de Gallo, crushed taco chips, cotija cheese, and avocado lime cilantro cream.

To order it, or any other of Our Town’s pizzas, please visit Ourtown530.com or call (530) 797-9346.