Playa Pizza celebrates one year of business with new release

The popular eatery is marking the occasion by introducing new, ethically-sourced cheese made from a farmer-owned co-op.


Stephen and Danielle Facella are the masterminds behind Horizon West business Playa Pizza.
Stephen and Danielle Facella are the masterminds behind Horizon West business Playa Pizza.
Photo by Annabelle Sikes
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Playa Pizza is celebrating one year of business in Horizon West.

To commemorate the occasion, the popular eatery has introduced a brand new cheese made with tons of love from a farmer-owned co-op.

As part of the restaurant's commitment to ethical and sustainable sourcing, owner Stephen Facella has partnered with farmer-owned Burnett Dairy Cooperative in Grantsburg, Wisconsin to bring the authentic flavor of Wisconsin cheese to the Sunshine State.

According to a press release from Playa Pizza, Patria cheese is "made from the highest quality milk, sourced from dedicated, passionate farmers and happy cows, with awesome family vibes." 

The cheese is 100% natural, with no additives, preservatives, or flow-promoting agents.

Playa Pizza is the first restaurant to use Patria cheese in Florida. 

"We believe in bringing the best of Wisconsin's dairy heritage from cows living their best lives – happy, healthy and totally chill to our customers in Florida," Facelle said. " We've teamed up with a bunch of amazing folks who know their stuff when it comes to making food epic. They're like our flavor wizards, bringing that real deal taste that vibes perfectly with our handmade pizzas."

BACKGROUND

Playa Pizza, which we first told you about here, opened July 2022.

The New York-style pizza establishment boasts a flavorful menu filled with choices such as specialty pizzas, unique cocktails, craft beers and fun twists on Italian and American classics.

All of the restaurant’s pizza and pasta dough is made in-house exclusively using the New York Watermaker. 

The water replication system mimics the mineral composition of New York City with technology that allows guests to experience authentic pizzas. The award-winning pizza oven is the first and only of its kind in the United States. 

Playa Pizza is not only known for its sapid food, but also for its belief in the importance of giving back to its local community. 

Facella put together a 501(c)(3) organization called The Full Belly Fund; the mission is to end food insecurity in the community ensuring every person goes to bed with a full belly. 

The eatery also supports local artists and musicians through its Fortune Finds event, a weekly songwriters showcase and open jam in Horizon West.

Playa Pizza is situated within eyesight of Cinderella Castle, across the street from Magic Kingdom Cast Member Parking and Disney University. Guests can enjoy the magical Walt Disney World fireworks from their seat in the restaurant every night.

For more information on Playa Pizza, visit its website here, or follow the eatery on Facebook here.

 

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Annabelle Sikes

News Editor Annabelle Sikes was born in Boca Raton and moved to Orlando in 2018 to attend the University of Central Florida. She graduated from UCF in May 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in sociology. Her past journalism experiences include serving as a web producer at the Orlando Sentinel, a reporter at The Community Paper, managing editor for NSM Today, digital manager at Centric Magazine and as an intern for the Orlando Weekly.

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