Background: Ruben Leon is the current owner of Deli News Pizza (5555 Stearns St Ste 104).

How did you get to where you are now?

I am born and raised here in Southern California; my parents are immigrants from Mexico. Growing up I worked at my dad’s restaurant from 12 years old. I began washing dishes and moved up to doing just about everything at the restaurant. Once legally old enough (don’t tell child services), I worked at a pizza restaurant during the week while I waited tables on weekends at my dad’s restaurant. Once I graduated high school I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, so I started out in real estate. I was doing well and meeting a few business owners, one being the previous owner of Deli News. With my background, I asked that she let me know if they ever wanted to sell. Fast forward to August 2017 it became mine!

How are you making an impact in Long Beach?

I would say Deli News Pizza makes an impact because it is where a lot of people grew up eating, it is one of Long Beach’s original Italian Restaurants, but most importantly we serve pizza (and more) at an affordable price. The students from CSULB come from all over the country/world and line up to try our great tasting food!

What is your vision for the future of Long Beach?

I see Long Beach becoming one of those last gems Southern California has to offer. I feel like it’s a little Gold Rush of a town.

What are your goals for the next 5 years?

It’s going to be interesting. We just signed a contract to bring a new franchise to Long Beach that I can’t talk about but it will be a great addition to Long Beach, as well as a second location to Deli News Pizza by 2021.