Philip Simonetta and his son Aiden took an unconventional path to pizza fame in Jacksonville, transforming a 1995 International school bus into the city’s most talked-about mobile wood-fired pizza kitchen: Simonetta’s Brick Oven Pizza Bus.
What started as Simonetta’s real estate business venture at 2200 Cassat Avenue expanded when they decided to convert their 26,000-mile church bus into a rolling pizzeria complete with a custom-built brick oven.
This family-owned operation opened in November 2023 and quickly became a local sensation by combining authentic wood-fired techniques with the novelty of dining at a converted school bus.
How Simonetta’s won local’s hearts
Simonetta’s Pizza Bus won over Jacksonville residents through their unique mobile concept and commitment to authentic brick oven cooking.
The father-son duo built their reputation by offering something completely different – a genuine 41-inch wood-fired brick oven installed inside a converted school bus that reaches temperatures of 800-1000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Their dedication to quality ingredients, including San Marzano-style hand-crushed tomatoes and fresh handmade mozzarella, combined with the entertaining experience of watching pizzas being made in a school bus, created an irresistible draw for locals. 🍕
The pizza bus operates from their real estate office location, creating a dual-purpose business where customers can enjoy authentic Italian pizza while Philip Simonetta conducts his real estate training and brokerage operations.
This innovative approach to food service, combined with live streaming pizza-making sessions and the family’s engaging personalities, helped them build a loyal following who appreciate both the novelty and the authentic wood-fired flavors.
Food Highlights
- Margherita Pizza: Classic Italian pizza featuring San Marzano-style hand-crushed tomatoes, fresh handmade mozzarella, and aromatic fresh basil leaves, cooked to perfection in their 800-degree brick oven for an authentic Neapolitan experience
- The Works Pizza: A hearty combination pizza loaded with San Marzano-style hand-crushed tomatoes, fresh handmade mozzarella, fresh-cut pepperoni, handmade sweet Italian sausage, Vidalia onions, and additional premium toppings for the ultimate pizza experience
- Bianca Pizza: An elegant white pizza creation without tomato sauce, featuring a blend of cheeses and carefully selected toppings that showcase the quality of their handmade dough and wood-fired cooking technique
- The Meats Pizza: A carnivore’s dream featuring premium meat selections including pepperoni, sausage, and other quality meats, all prepared fresh and cooked in their authentic brick oven
- The Vegetarian Pizza: A fresh and flavorful option packed with seasonal vegetables and quality cheeses, demonstrating their commitment to serving all dietary preferences with the same wood-fired excellence
Atmosphere 🚌
The atmosphere at Simonetta’s is uniquely entertaining and family-friendly, centered around the novelty of dining at a converted 1995 International school bus.
Customers order at the window, then can sit at outdoor picnic benches while watching their pizzas being made through the bus windows.
The setup includes a 50-inch outdoor TV where Philip plays his real estate videos, creating an amusing multi-business environment.
The wood-fired oven creates an authentic Italian ambiance with its crackling fire and aromatic smoke, while the casual outdoor seating and cornhole games make it perfect for families looking for a fun, relaxed dining experience.
The vibe is casual and entertaining, with customers gathering around the converted school bus to watch the pizza-making process unfold.
The outdoor seating area encourages a community atmosphere where families can enjoy games while waiting for their orders.
Philip and Aiden’s engaging personalities shine through as they interact with customers and even live-stream their pizza-making sessions, creating an experience that’s as much about entertainment as it is about great food.
Bottom Line
- Authentic wood-fired experience in a completely unique school bus setting that you won’t find anywhere else in Jacksonville 🔥
- Family-owned dedication to quality ingredients including San Marzano tomatoes and fresh handmade mozzarella
- Entertainment value watching skilled pizza makers work in their custom-built brick oven while enjoying outdoor seating
- Fresh, made-to-order pizzas cooked at 800-1000 degrees for authentic Neapolitan-style results
- Family-friendly atmosphere with games and outdoor seating perfect for creating memorable dining experiences
Address: 2200 Cassat Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32210
📞 (904) 927-4992
🕔 Open Monday-Saturday, 5:00 PM–10:00 PM (closed Sunday)