The City Council on Monday recognized a longtime business owner for 35 years of service to the community. Council recognitions are designed to pay homage to those who make a difference in Mission Viejo.
Gene Orr was 28 years old when he opened Big O To Go Pizza in 1975 on the corner of Jeronimo and Marguerite. Purchasing used equipment and funding operations with only $19,000, Gene was the center’s first tenant. Fast forward 35 years and the area has certainly grown but much remains the same with the popular pizzeria.
With an old Pepsi logo, the eatery still features the same old menu board, the classic ovens haven’t been upgraded since 1981 and the restaurant still serves four staples – pizza, spaghetti, salad and sandwiches. Many patrons grew up in the facility that is only closed four days during the year. Gene is a fixture in the facility and spent 20 of those 35 years working 7 days a week.
On Monday, he was humbled by the Council recognition, Mayor Dave Leckness’ praise and photos that were displayed from the restaurant’s early days.
“The City has always been a safe and great place to do business,” he said.
I had my first Big O pizza about a week after Gene opened up. I have been going back regularly for 35 years. The food has always been outstanding and Gene is a great member of the community and a great guy as well. I have turned on many friends to Big O over the years and he has an almost cult like following. Gene Thanks for the OUTSTANDING FOOD & SERVICE.
Pete DeCasas
If you are in the “know” – you eat at Big O To Go.
I used to work at California Pizza Kitchen as a food server in Mission Viejo back in 1998 when a co-worker told me about Big O. Once I ate at Big O the first time, I was hooked. I would get in trouble at CPK because my manager would over hear me telling staff members to join me for a Big O pizza after our shift. Looking back, I guess it was a conflict of interest.
Congratulations to Gene and the staff and Big O and kudos to the City of MV for recognizing the hard work and loyalty Gene has shown to this community!