Panjo's Pizza Parlor, a beloved institution in the heart of Corpus Christi, Texas, is set to commemorate its 60th anniversary with a grand celebration. The event, scheduled for Sunday, will feature an array of vendors, a captivating car show, and the opportunity for pizza enthusiasts to indulge in their favorite slices.

Celebrating 60 Years of Culinary Excellence and Community Connections

The Humble Beginnings of Panjo's Pizza Parlor

In September 1964, Panjo's Pizza Parlor first opened its doors in the Gulfway Shopping Center, nestled at the intersection of Airline and McArdle roads. Back then, the establishment was known as Panjo's Ye Olde Pizza Parlor, offering an impressive menu of 18 different pizza varieties, as well as hamburgers, beer, and soft drinks. The cozy atmosphere and delectable offerings quickly made Panjo's a local favorite, drawing in a loyal following of pizza connoisseurs and community members.

A Family Legacy Continues

In 1991, Jimmie and Christy Garrett took over the reins of Panjo's Pizza Parlor, ushering in a new era for the beloved establishment. The Garrett family, including their eight daughters, poured their hearts and souls into the restaurant, ensuring that the legacy of Panjo's lived on. Tragically, Jimmie Garrett passed away in the early 2000s, leaving a void in the family's lives. However, with the support of a close friend, Stephen Glenn, the Garrett family navigated this difficult time, and Christy Garrett-Glenn continued to lead the restaurant with unwavering dedication.

Honoring Jimmie Garrett's Legacy

To commemorate Jimmie Garrett's memory and his passion for automobiles, the Garrett family has been hosting an annual car show at Panjo's Pizza Parlor for the past five years. This year, the car show, aptly named "Back to the '60s," will coincide with the restaurant's 60th anniversary celebration, creating a unique and nostalgic experience for attendees. "We've been doing car shows for about five years now and we decided to put the two together to bring more people together," shared Stephen Glenn, the family's close friend and supporter.

The Legendary Bubba and the Panjo's Family

No discussion of Panjo's Pizza Parlor would be complete without mentioning the beloved Bubba, the restaurant's longtime piano player. Loyse Emmitt Jacob, affectionately known as Bubba, provided the entertainment and led sing-alongs every weekend for decades, until his passing in 2014 at the age of 84. His presence was a cherished part of the Panjo's experience, and his memory continues to be celebrated by the Garrett family and their loyal customers.Katlyn Garrett, one of the eight Garrett daughters, grew up in the walls of Panjo's, and she considers the restaurant's customers to be an extension of her family. "A lot of them have watched me grow up," Katlyn Garrett shared, expressing her deep connection to the Panjo's community. As the family looks to the future, Katlyn and her husband are poised to take over the reins, ensuring that the Panjo's legacy continues to thrive for generations to come.

A Celebration of Panjo's Enduring Legacy

As Panjo's Pizza Parlor celebrates its 60th anniversary, the Garrett family is determined to make this a truly memorable occasion. The festivities, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, will feature an array of vendors, the highly anticipated "Back to the '60s" car show, and, of course, the opportunity for visitors to indulge in Panjo's renowned pizza by the slice.The Garrett family has extended an open invitation to the community, encouraging car enthusiasts to register for the car show with a fee of $40. This event promises to be a nostalgic and joyous celebration, where the past and present converge to honor the enduring legacy of Panjo's Pizza Parlor.As Panjo's Pizza Parlor embarks on its next chapter, the Garrett family remains steadfast in their commitment to preserving the restaurant's rich history and continuing to serve the Corpus Christi community with the same passion and dedication that has defined Panjo's for the past six decades.