Andy Ruiz Jr.'s dream of opening a pizzeria has crumbled just days before the grand opening. The former heavyweight world champion's plan to launch 'Andy's Pizzería' in Chula Vista, California, fell apart unexpectedly in July 2024.
Ruiz, who shocked the boxing world with his upset win over Anthony Joshua in 2019, partnered with local San Diego restaurateur Víctor López for this venture. They planned to transform López's existing Victorino's Pizzería into a boxing-themed eatery that mixed Ruiz's Mexican heritage with fight-night flair.
Victorino's Pizzería, which opened early in 2024, had quickly built a following for its square-cut New York-style pizza with a local twist. Popular items like the "Bonita White" and "El Padrino" had fans eager to see what Ruiz's "championship slice" might taste like.
But those dreams went up in smoke when López released a public statement on Monday, cutting all ties with Ruiz.
"Neither I, nor El Pollo Grill, nor Victorino's Pizzería are affiliated with him or his brand,"López said, apologizing to customers for any confusion.
The sudden split leaves many questions unanswered. López hasn't shared why the partnership dissolved so abruptly. Fans who looked forward to the July 10 grand opening, where Ruiz was expected to attend, now wonder what went wrong.
As of now, Ruiz has stayed silent on the matter. The boxer's move from the ring to the restaurant business has ended before it even started.
The future of Victorino's Pizzería remains uncertain. López might continue operating it as is, or he could pursue a different rebranding strategy without Ruiz's involvement.
This failed venture shows that success in the boxing ring doesn't always lead to success outside of it. While Ruiz conquered opponents in the heavyweight division, the world of business proved to be a tougher challenge.
