Business Spotlight: Much Ado About Pizza
Where Craft Meets Community in Pleasanton
Located in the heart of Pleasanton, Much Ado About Pizza is a Shakespearean-themed pizzeria that brings together family, creativity, and a passion for craft pizza. Family-owned and operated by Mark and Kira Zabrowski, the pizzeria specializes in artisan sourdough pizza, made from scratch with locally sourced California ingredients. Offering a fun and flavorful dining experience, the menu features perfectly sized pizzas that feed 2-3 people, fresh seasonal salads, and their famous cheesy, garlicky “Bard” bread—served with epic dipping sauces to ensure you love every bite.
Kira’s journey to opening Much Ado About Pizza was sparked by a period of personal reinvention. After 25 years of teaching Theatre Arts, Kira felt a shift during the COVID-19 pandemic, as teaching online became increasingly draining. “I wasn’t excited anymore. I wasn’t fulfilled,” she shares. A Christmas gift from Mark, Flour, Water, Salt, Yeast: The Fundamentals of Bread and Pizza by Ken Forkish, led her down a new path. “It reawakened a sense of creativity and joy I hadn’t felt in a long time,” says Kira. “Baking bread was fun, but it wasn’t a bakery I wanted—it was a pizza shop.” Fueled by newfound inspiration, Kira began mastering the art of pizza, combining her love of food with her background in theatre. “Pizza saved me,” she reflects. “And now, every day, I get to share that joy with others.”
With a background in marketing, business education, and sales, Mark became Kira’s biggest supporter, helping to transform her vision into reality. Together, they created Much Ado About Pizza—a pizzeria rooted in community, quality ingredients, and a little theatrical flair. The name itself is a nod to Kira’s lifelong love of Shakespeare, which is reflected throughout the menu with creative pizza names like the “Ham-let” and the “Montague and Capulet.”
One of their proudest moments was placing 4th overall in the Non-Traditional Pizza category at the International Pizza Challenge in Las Vegas. Kira shares, “That achievement validated the countless hours of hard work and dedication I invested in honing my craft. It gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward.”
The pizzeria is proud of its competitive spirit. Both Mark and Kira are active participants in national pizza competitions and are members of the U.S. Pizza Team. “We’re always pushing ourselves to grow, innovate, and bring that expertise back home to Pleasanton,” says Kira.
Much Ado About Pizza is more than just a place to grab a meal—it’s a celebration of creativity and community. “What we love most about running this business in Pleasanton is the incredible support from the local community,” says Mark. “From day one, people have been welcoming and excited to have us here. It’s truly a special place to be.”
Behind the scenes, the Much Ado About Pizza team is small but dedicated. Mark and Kira’s two kids pitch in on weekends, making it a true family affair. “We all work together to keep things running smoothly,” says Kira. “We balance the hard work with a lot of heart and fun.”
For those who haven’t yet discovered Much Ado About Pizza, you’re missing out on more than just great food. Kira explains, “We don’t use sugars or preservatives in our dough or sauce. Instead, we hand-pick and prepare fresh, local vegetables and use premium Italian cheeses. You can truly taste the difference.”
As a carry-out-only pizzeria, Much Ado About Pizza does get busy, especially on weekends. They recommend ordering ahead online or by phone to guarantee a pizza on your desired night. “We put a lot of love into every pie,” says Kira, “and we’re grateful for the patience and support of our amazing customers.”
To stay updated on their latest offerings, visit Much Ado About Pizza’s website at muchadoaboutpizzaca.com, or follow them on Instagram and Facebook for seasonal specials, pop-up events, and updates on their competitive pizza journey.
Contact: (925) 750-7527
Address: 1991 Santa Rita Rd., Suite E Pleasanton, CA 94566
Website: muchadoaboutpizzaca.com