The Big Idea: Prop Shop Pizzeria  

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Knott’s Berry Farm sought to revitalise areas of the theme park, maintaining its legacy of great relationships and delicious food. With many theme parks in California closed, Knott’s aimed to create a new dining experience that would draw visitors and enhance their time at the park. The challenge was to transform the existing Hollywood Hits walk-up pizza counter into a quality indoor dining experience that would fit seamlessly with the park’s 1920s-30s Boardwalk theme. 

Transforming a Walk-Up Pizza Counter into a Boardwalk-Themed Pizzeria 

Storyland Studios partnered with Knott’s Berry Farm to design and master plan the new Prop Shop Pizzeria, An Italian Kitchen. Our team developed architectural designs that included every detail, from the exterior style to the interior design, creating a space reminiscent of an industrial-era speakeasy with a steampunk flair. We collaborated closely with the Knott’s Berry Farm operations team to ensure that our layout and operational design would meet the park’s needs. 

The restaurant’s name honors its original use as a prop shop for the Walter Knott Theater, blending history with innovation. This collaboration involved dreaming alongside Cedar Fair Entertainment Company executives, including Matt Ouimet and Raffi Kaprelyan, former Walt Disney Imagineer Rolly Crump, and former Disneyland Vice President Jon Storbeck. 

A Delicious Value Add to Knott’s Top-Notch Dining  

Prop Shop Pizzeria, An Italian Kitchen, opened to the public in July 2022, offering visitors a unique dining experience that enhances Knott’s Berry Farm’s reputation for top-notch food and entertainment. The successful launch of the restaurant demonstrates the park’s ability to innovate and adapt, even during challenging times, while preserving its rich heritage and commitment to quality.