A Slice of Life at B&J's Pizza - The Bend Magazine

A Slice of Life at B&J’s Pizza

Explore the rich legacy of B&J's Pizza, highlighting its origins, commitment to quality and the vibrant community that has made it a beloved pizza joint.

a photo of pizza offerings at B&Js Pizza Corpus Christi

B&J's Pizza | Photo by Rachel Benavides

Walking into B&J’s Pizza provides a fresh slice of nostalgia, as the original location on SPID has mostly stayed the same since 1978. There’s a sense of comfort in keeping the tradition alive. Beer cans from all corners of the globe line the shelves, each with its own memory, collected from customers who — like this pizza joint — have stuck around for decades.

A small pizzeria founded by Betty and Jerry Garver, the original B&J’s has become a beloved institution that locals and visitors cherish. For over 45 years, the heart of B&J’s has remained the same: quality and a deep love for great pizza, with a defining sense of community. The Bakers, Jack and Kathy, took over in 1987 and turned it into something more than just a restaurant. For Jack, a retired military man, it was about creating a space for people — locals, sailors, anyone who walked through the door — to feel at home.

vintage photo of a few members of the B&Js Pizza Beer Drinkers Club
A few members of the B&Js Pizza Beer Drinkers Club

Chris Baker, son of Jack and Kathy Baker, said, “Our philosophy is simple: At B&J’s, you’re only a customer once. After that, you’re family.”

B&J’s is known for its delicious Jack’s Special — pepperoni, Italian sausage and a whole forest of garlic piled high. It’s named after Jack Baker for his love of the pungent plant, and you’ll find the same flavor applied to the famous Jack’s Wings. After chopping enough garlic to fill 30 gallon jars a week, B&J’s provides enough firepower for any vampire-slaying situation.

Vintage photo at B&Js Pizza
Jack and Kathy Baker mingling with some regular customers in front of a wall of polaroids of members of the Imported Beer Drinkers’ Club that were taken when they reached milestones. Photo circa 1987. 

Each slice is a glorious homage to flavor and freshness, crafted from dough made daily from scratch, with meats and veggies hand-cut to perfection. The menu hasn’t changed much over the years, and rightfully so: You don’t mess with a good thing. This is a place where guests can taste the history in every bite, and it’s a history worth savoring.

The Beer Drinkers Club is just another reason this local pizza joint hits all the right spots. Over 10,000 members are keeping track of their beer adventures, with some hitting the wild milestone of 6,000 brews tasted. As a member of the club, if you hit 1,000, they’ll brew a beer just for you. It’s quirky, sure, but like everything else here, it’s got soul.

Vintage photo at B&Js Pizza
Chris Baker and his parents and owners of B&J’s, Jack and Kathy Baker in front of the old beer can collection at the store. Photo circa 1989

The Bakers opened a second location on South Staples Street in 2007, complete with a microbrewery where they produce some of the best beer in town. Though the two locations share the same recipes and menus, Baker said, “If you ask some of the regulars at either location, they will swear there is a difference. Everyone has their own favorite store and is very loyal to that store; most won’t go to the other, swearing they can taste the difference, so we will leave that up to them.” However, the newer location does have more house brews available to patrons.

This isn’t just a pizzeria — it’s a love letter to Corpus Christi, to the community that’s kept it thriving for nearly half a century. It’s a place where you come as a customer, but you leave as family. And as the years go by, B&J’s remains a constant, a place you can always count on for great pizza and a warm welcome.
As the owners and staff look to the future, B&J’s continues to support local non-profits and give back to the community that has sustained them for decades. “Our customers are the reason for our success,” Baker said. “We can’t thank them enough.”

B&J’s Pizza – The Original
6335 S Padre Island Dr | 361.992.6671

B&J’s Pizza – Brewpub
6662 S Staples St | 361.985.6474