(Franchise Buy) - By guy norcott. Updated Mar 31, 2016

Oggi's in Lenwood expected to open in time for summer

LENWOOD — Construction is ongoing at the future site of the Oggi’s Pizza and Brewing restaurant, but an opening this month appears unlikely.

Business partners Max Atalla and Christopher Guardado said they believe the sports-themed microbrewery restaurant will open in late May or early June.

Atalla is the owner of Los Domingo’s in Barstow and Guardado is the general manager of the three Del Tacos operated by Ed Hackbarth. The partners are also next-door neighbors and consider each other family.

The idea of investing in a fresh idea for the community was kicked around between the two during a backyard barbecue in February 2015.

“We believe this is the right thing for Barstow,” Atalla said. “Word around town is everybody is excited. I hear people are really jazzed about this. Ultimately the frustration of the community saying they have nowhere to go in Barstow is what really led to this. This is a family-friendly sports bar and I think this is what Barstow lacked the most.”

The Oggi’s Pizza and Brewing in Lenwood will be the second High Desert location for the San Clemente-based restaurant chain and was first announced in September. The business will occupy the former Baja Fresh building in Barstow at 2854 Lenwood Road. The building was constructed in 2003 and is 4,230 square feet on a lot that is just less than an acre. The property has two sign pylons, with one facing Interstate 15. Both signs announcing the opening of Oggi’s Pizza and Brewing read “coming soon.”

Both Guardado and Atalla said they feel the location is perfect to cater to locals who have longed for fresh brewed beer in Barstow and also for travelers along Interstate 15, looking eat a signature Oggi’s pizza.

“This location is great because it’s so busy out here, especially on the weekends,” Guardado said. “This is a prime spot for locals who want to come have that draft beer that they love. We are going to have 25 beers on tap. But I think most importantly Oggi’s has a full menu from pizzas to burgers or sandwiches and salads. Anybody can eat here.”

As part of the family-themed sports bar feel, Guardado said the restaurant will have an outside patio that will seat up to 40 people. The patio area also will be utilized for private parties, ranging from baby showers to Little League baseball team parties.

The restaurant is expected to seat 120 inside.

“The patio will also be great to enjoy those beautiful desert nights,” Guardado said.

Guardado said he expects Oggi’s Pizza and Brewing to employ 50 once it is up and running. Guardado said resumes can be emailed to BarstowOggisApplications@gmail.com.