Food & Beverage

Truly Pizza adds line of focaccia sandwiches

Photo: Truly Pizza

March 3, 2025

Truly Pizza, based in Dana Point, California, has added a line of handcrafted focaccia sandwiches to its menu inspired by the same innovation that earned one of its pizzaiolos, Michael Vakneen, a 2025 James Beard Semifinalist recognition in the Best Chef-Southwest category.

The sandwiches highlight the award-winning team's breadmaking skills. The bread utilizes 100% organic flour that is milled locally by Central Milling and has a three-day fermentation process with the dough.

"Our commitment has always been to elevate the traditional pizza experience while embracing artisanal craftsmanship in every aspect of what we create," Donna Bladwin, cofounder of Truly Pizza, said in the press release. "These new focaccia sandwiches are a testament to our team's dedication to innovation and quality, offering our guests a new way to enjoy the flavors of Truly Pizza."

The sandwich lineup includes:

• Pepper Turkey: Rosemary pesto, garlic aioli, pepper turkey, red onion, tomato, arugula and fontina.
• Salami & Cheese: Golfetta salami, Manchego cheese, quince mustard, arugula, balsamic and EVOO.
• Classic Italian: Salami, spicy capicola, salami rossa, Calabrian aioli, pickled giardiniera, arugula, sliced mozzarella, sliced tomato and house-made vinaigrette.
• Mortadella & Burrata: Pistachio pesto, mortadella, stracciatella, chopped pistachio, arugula and EVOO.
• Italian Tuna: Tuna salad, mayonnaise, arugula, lemon-herb gremolata and EVOO.

Truly Pizza is preparing for the opening of its second location in Laguna Beach. The brand was founded by John Arena and Donna Baldwin with Chris Decker and Michael Vakneen.