Iván “Pudge” Rodríguez brings his Pizza to El Distrito

Pudge’s Pizza offers unique recipes of the Puerto Rican player in a family-friendly atmosphere

El Distrito, the premiere entertainment center of Puerto Rico, will be filled with the taste of the Major Leagues with the opening of Pudge’s Pizza, the gastronomic offering of Baseball Hall of Fame Catcher, Iván “Pudge” Rodríguez, announced Federico Stubbe, Jr. President of PRISA Group, developer of the complex.

“We are proud to have one of the most recognized Puerto Rican athletes in El Distrito’s line-up of gastronomic offers,” said Stubbe. “Iván ‘Pudge’ Rodríguez is a sports icon, a Hall of Famer in every way, besides being a friend and a great human being. With Pudge’s Pizza, Iván and El Distrito will hit it out of the park. ”

Stubbe explained that his company acquired the rights to the Pudge’s Pizza operation for Puerto Rico, being the first location outside of Texas where it will operate. The executive said that the development of this concept involves a $ 750,000 investment in 1,300 square feet and, once opened, it will generate 20 direct jobs. The restaurant, decorated with sporting memorabilia alluding to Rodriguez’s career, will offer a modern and family-friendly environment.

This is the second restaurant the Puerto Rican Hall of Fame Catcher inaugurates, who opened his first franchise operation in Arlington, Texas at Texas Live! in August 2018. Pudge’s Pizza gastronomic offer includes a wide variety of pizzas, an exclusive menu created by Iván himself and a variety of special dishes that bear names that pay homage to his roots. For example, the “Vega Baja” includes shredded chicken, BBQ pizza sauce, red onion, cheddar, mozzarella and coriander; “20-20” features buffalo style chicken, red onion, bacon, blue cheese and buffalo hot sauce; and the “Texas Slinger” also includes a variety of spiced chicken, hot refried beans, red onion, chipotle honey sauce and three cheeses. According to Iván, all the portions are “worthy of an MVP” and at this moment they are in the development stage of some new offerings with Puerto Rican flavor.

Abelardo Ruiz, Managing Director of El Distrito, explained that in addition to the main hall, Pudge’s Pizza will feature a window for express service for those who prefer “a slice of pizza before going to the movies or a show, or ordering the entire pizza to go. At Pudge’s Pizza, everyone will have the opportunity to enjoy their pizza as they prefer. ”

One of the main attractions of Pudge’s Pizza is its exclusive “13 Gold” beer, coming straight down the middle is this American light Lager honoring Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez’s record 13 Gold Gloves for a catcher. This beer, which will be launched in Puerto Rico this month, will be offered exclusively at Pudge’s Pizza in draught and canned version.

At a press conference held today at the location where Pudge’s Pizza will operate, which is already under construction, the Puerto Rican star said that “it is an honor to be part of El Distrito, a combination of entertainment and experiences offerings right here in my island , where my family and roots are, and where my heart has always been. Opening my restaurant here at home, allows me to share with my fans, friends and family, as well as contribute to the growth of the Island. El Distrito will be a world-class attraction and I am grateful to be part of this project that generates jobs and boosts economic growth when it is most needed.”

Rodriguez, a native of Manatí and raised in Vega Baja, is the winner of 13 Golden Glove Awards through his stellar career at the Majors, which began in 1991 when he debuted as a receiver of the Texas Rangers. During his career, he also played for the Florida Marlins, Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees, Houston Astros and Washington Nationals. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown in 2017 and after his retirement, he entered the food and beverage business with a concept of original, varied pizza recipes and craft beer.

Pudge’s Pizza follows the vision of El Distrito and PRISA Group to develop a destination that reflects the best of Puerto Ricans. Conceived and developed by PRISA Group, with the support of various partners, the world-class entertainment center is built on the grounds adjacent to the Convention Center, with an investment of about $ 170 million and the creation of thousands of jobs, in its construction and operation phases.

El Distrito is scheduled to open during the first quarter of 2020, while Pudge’s Pizza will open in April of the same year.