After an almost yearlong hiatus, the jumbo 28-inch pizza pie is back for sale at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.

Benny’s on the Ocean, part of the Benny’s giant pizza phenomenon known as the “Virginia slice,” reopened on Sept. 5 at 1608 Atlantic Ave. The new spot is across from the Dairy Queen and right by the 17th Street stage.

“We love this new location,” said Chris Brown, co-owner of Benny’s Pizza. “This space has a feel that reminds us of our very first shop in Blacksburg, Benny Marzano’s.”

The new space, totaling 978 square feet, allowed for a larger lobby area and has available parking. Formerly the Vacation Market space, it was completely gutted and rebuilt to capture the feel of a true New York-style slice shop, Brown said.

The restaurant originally opened in May 2021 within Ocean 27 along the Boardwalk. But it was forced to close that 760-foot-space in November when its landlord, the Hyatt, moved in a different direction with its retail space, Brown said.

Benny’s on the Ocean, known for its 28-inch pizza pie, is back open at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront at a new location on Atlantic Avenue. (Courtesy of Benny’s Pizza)

Benny’s on the Ocean has five employees, most of whom worked at the Town Center location, Benny Cavalloni’s, over the summer.

“We’re fortunate to have a talented group of experienced pizza makers returning with us,” Brown said.

The Benny’s concept, which dons the same first name for each restaurant followed by a surname that reflects the community it’s in, prides itself on the pizza that is the same from store to store, town to town and state to state.

It was founded in 2011 by Brown, a Virginia Beach native, and Zach Toth. The two Virginia Tech alumni have grown Benny’s to 34 locations in six states. In Hampton Roads, that also includes Benny Damato’s in Norfolk, Benny Cantiere’s in Newport News and Benny Lucchetti’s in Chesapeake.

Brown worked in restaurants in Virginia Beach while growing up and boasted the area between 17th and 23rd streets has the most energy.

“As the ViBe (Creative District) and the surf park continue to grow, it will only get better,” he said.

Sandra J. Pennecke, 757-652-5836, sandra.pennecke@pilotonline.com

Benny’s on the Ocean reopened on Sept. 5 in a new location on Atlantic Avenue at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. (Courtesy of Benny’s Pizza)

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