Bellagio Pizzeria, Mesa

Bellagio Pizzeria started out as Papa Jay's in 1971 next to Arizona State University.

As the east valley expanded, Papa Jay's moved with it, finally ending up on the corner of Val Vista and Baseline in Gilbert. In May 2004, Papa Jay's closed its doors, re-opening as Pizzeria on McKellips and Greenfield in North East Mesa.

The new restaurant preserved the old Italian favorites from Papa Jay's and added healthy Mediterranean options such as hummus and taboule that are made fresh daily. This new concept was such a success that in only nine short months, the original restaurant that only had seating for 42 people expanded to