Happy Joe’s Pizza and Ice Cream will open its first Southern Arizona location in Oro Valley in early 2026. The Iowa-based brand plans the restaurant at 11695 N. Oracle Rd. The opening marks Happy Joe’s entry into the Tucson market.
The restaurant will operate under MC2 Entertainment Group LLC. The group has longstanding ties to Iowa and the brand. As a result, the opening brings a Midwestern pizza style with deep roots to Southern Arizona.
What to expect at Happy Joe’s Oro Valley
The Oro Valley location will follow Happy Joe’s modern prototype with a design emphasizing family dining and entertainment.
Features include dine-in seating, delivery, and carryout. The restaurant will also offer a game room and party space. In addition, guests will find a golf simulator and a patio firepit with mountain views.
The menu will highlight Taco Joe Pizza, dessert pizzas, and classic ice cream sundaes.
The history behind Iowa taco pizza
Happy Joe’s founder Joe Whitty created taco pizza in Davenport, Iowa, in the early 1970s. He wanted to combine two comfort foods, pizza and tacos, into one dish. He layered refried beans on crust, then added seasoned beef, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheddar cheese.
Unlike most traditional pizzas, taco pizza adds the cold toppings after baking; the contrast became its signature. The style spread across Iowa and the Midwest. Today, taco pizza remains a regional staple and a defining Happy Joe’s menu item.
Why Oro Valley fits the brand
Happy Joe’s leadership sees Southern Arizona as a strong growth market. The Oro Valley opening signals long-term regional plans.
“Our team has always known that Happy Joe’s is something truly unique,” the company’s CEO, president, and chief happiness officer Tom Sacco said in a press release. “We’re thrilled to introduce Tucson to the joy, flavor and sense of togetherness that have made this brand a favorite for generations. MC2 Entertainment Group understands that spirit, and we’re confident they’ll bring it to life in this community.”
MC2 Entertainment Group aims to recreate the experience many Midwestern families grew up with. For Tucson diners, that means a take on pizza culture anchored by Iowa tradition.
Local pizza context
Tucson already supports a wide range of pizza styles, from Neapolitan to Detroit-inspired. Rocco’s Little Chicago Pizzeria coincidentally brought back its Midwestern taco pizza special on Monday:
Looking for local pizza? Check out our guide for The Best Pizza in Tucson.
For more information, visit happyjoes.com.
Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
