Mutant Ooze and Secret Bars: The World’s First TMNT Pizza Santa Monica Location is Officially Launching
If your childhood dream was to sit in a sewer, argue about martial arts, and smash endless slices of pepperoni, Los Angeles is about to grant your wish—minus the sewer smell. The legendary heroes in a half-shell are officially getting their first-ever brick-and-mortar restaurant. The highly anticipated TMNT Pizza Santa Monica grand opening is officially locked for this month, and it’s shaping up to be a pop-culture paradise.
According to a report by KTLA, the green ribbon will be cut on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Taking over the legendary former Johnny’s New York Pizzeria spot at 1444 Third Street, this launch marks the first of its kind in the United States.
Meet the Brothers: Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo Live
The grand opening isn’t just about the food; it’s a full-on character experience. Fans turning up on June 20 will get the chance to meet the iconic brothers—Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo—in person.
The entire concept is the brainchild of Andy Nguyen, a visionary entrepreneur famous for bringing massive animation and gaming worlds into the culinary space. For this TMNT Pizza Santa Monica flagship, Nguyen has transformed the interior with vibrant neon lights, series memorabilia, and glowing green accents inspired by the franchise’s famous radioactive “Ooze.”
More Than Just Pizza: Limited Merch and a Weekend Speakeasy
This spot is heavily leaning into the “hypebeast” culture, offering fans plenty of reasons to stick around after finishing their crusts:
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The Menu: A curated selection of specialty pizzas packed with bold toppings fit for a mutant ninja.
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Exclusive Swag: A dedicated merch corner stocked with limited-edition t-shirts, keychains, and collectible pin badges.
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The Hidden Bar: A secret backyard bar located at the rear of the shop, serving up adult beverages strictly on weekends.
The Epicenter of a Global Rollout
Southern California is getting the ultimate bragging rights, as this Santa Monica venue is the very first of three planned locations worldwide. The next stops for the global rollout include Monterrey, Mexico, and São Paulo, Brazil.
If you want to be among the first to grab a slice of nostalgia, set your alarms for June 20 and head down to the Third Street Promenade early.
