Grace Pizza and Shakes restaurant plants roots on 30A in Santa Rosa Beach

SOUTH WALTON — A Texas-based pizza joint recently planted its roots in Santa Rosa Beach, and now the owners are inviting the community to celebrate.

Grace Pizza and Shakes opened its second restaurant along 30A earlier this year in Santa Rosa Beach at 38 Clayton Lane, the old Pickle Factory building. The eatery operates Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and will hold a grand opening celebration Oct. 29.

Grace Pizza and Shakes is the idea of Vincent Nandlal and Adrian Hembree, business partners who both share the same passion.

Related: Canopy Road Cafe's eighth restaurant opens in 30A, first in the Panhandle

Watersound Town Center: First restaurant opens, Publix and more businesses coming in fall

"Adrian had an idea for a pizza concept but wanted to shake it up with something different," Nandlal said. "I love the milkshake idea, so I was able to help Adrian put together an over-the-top menu, and with his many years of restaurant experience and my passion for creativity, we were able to create this cool, unique concept."

The menu features a wide variety of hand-crafted pizzas, salads, local craft beers and ice cream shakes, including their signature 30A Cake Explosion made with locally sourced baked items. Their founding principles are based on the old saying, "to each, his own" meaning that none of their pizzas are the same and each is unique in flavor.

In addition, the restaurant offers an intimate dining space inside along with outdoor seating.

The journey began when Nandlal and his father discussed their longing to open a restaurant but didn't have the knowledge or expertise in the industry. They turned to Hembree, whom they had become close with through volunteer community service. Because of their close bond, Hembree decided not only to advise on the business but partner with Nandlal to bring a pizza concept to life.

After vacationing in 30A for decades, Hembree and Nandlal knew they wanted to open a business in the area to have a more concrete connection to the community and be in the area full-time. The decision became clearer when a friend let them know a restaurant space would soon become available.

"We prayed and God told us to go for it, so we made an offer and the rest is history," Nandlal said. "The Grace concept is perfect for locals and visitors because it brings a family-friendly, cool environment that everyone will love, no matter what age you are. We are so beyond blessed and grateful to be here."

The name "Grace" is the story of their mission and values, expressed through the art of food, leadership and serving others. They said it comes from a time when both Hembree and Nandlal faced hardships and turned to their faith for grace, leadership and love.

The first location opened in 2021 in Alvin, Texas. Since then, the brand has expanded its flavors to the 30A location and a third location in Pearland, Texas. Nandlal said there are plans to open additional locations as the business continues to grow.

Ghosts and Ghouls grand opening celebration

On Oct. 29, the community is invited to the restaurant from 6-9 p.m. for a family-friendly celebration to commemorate Grace's official grand opening and taste some of the restaurant's most popular fare.

A "Ghosts and Ghouls" Halloween-themed celebration will offer samples of various pizza pies and shakes, along with craft cocktails from Distillery 98, craft brews from Grayton Beer Co. and the Lewis Bear Co., and sips from the Good Clean Wine company.

Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes, and the best costume will be awarded a special prize. There will also be live music from Nashville-based recording artist Cole Degges, kids face painting and a DJ later in the evening.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Ohana Institute, a nonprofit, private, exploratory and innovative school serving middle and high school students.

"We hope everyone gets the chance to celebrate with us. We're looking forward to a great time and giving people the opportunity to try our food," Nandlal said. "And we hope to continue to leave an impact on our new and returning customers every day."

To learn more about Grace Pizza and Shakes 30A, visit www.gracepizzaandshakes.com and follow their social media accounts on Instagram and Facebook.

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Grace Pizza and Shakes restaurant now open on 30A in Santa Rosa Beach