SEPTEMBER 15, 2023
The unthinkable loss of Gumbas Family Restaurant left us and the community devastated. We know that our years of memories in that building are not the only cherished memories of Gumbas. The outpouring of love and support from our community, not only for us, but for our staff has been a testament to our little mountain community.
After months of healing and planning, we have risen from the ashes in a new location. March 6, 2024 marked the soft opening of Gumbas II Go in Blairsden, California. Just down the road from our former, historic location. Our commitment to fresh, quality ingredients and excellent service remains the same amidst our new TO GO platform.
We want to thank everyone for your support and encouragement and hope you enjoy our new menu of classic Gumbas pizza, new sub sandwiches, and more. Click below to see our full menu.
Meet the Owners
GUMBA'S
FAMILY PIZZA
Matt & Elizabeth Cruse
Matt and Elizabeth met in 1985 when Elizabeth was working at her dad’s restaurant in Blairsden, CA (Gumba's). She was 16 and he was 22. A year later, they went on a few dates before one fateful date made Elizabeth’s dad forbid their relationship. She was late for work. They had gone to Reno so Matt could buy “the chick magnet,” i.e. a 1986 Dodge Daytona Turbo. Needless to say, it took longer than they planned and dad was not happy. After they closed Gumbas that day her dad went straight over to the River Pines Restaurant, where Matt worked, and told Matt to stay away from his daughter.
Elizabeth lost her father a few short months after that, and moved in with her Uncle in Santa Cruz. It would be 29 years before they reconnected and started dating once again. They married in April 2016 and moved their family home, to Graeagle, CA. When the doors opened for them to purchase the old restaurant, they jumped at the chance to restore it to the restaurant Elizabeth’s father had owned. Together they hope to bring back the fun, family-friendly atmosphere that fueled Gumba's Grill and Pizzeria when they first met and Elizabeth worked under her father.
Great food, great service, and fun for the whole family is their motto.
