Pizza Press, part of a build-your-own pie chain that originated in Anaheim, Calif., encourages folks to craft their story by “publishing a pizza.” It opened in December at the Pearl Highlands Center.

The restaurant’s theme was inspired by 1920s newspapers and a time when newspapers were the cornerstone of communities. “The Times,” “The Herald” and “The Chronicle” are among the signature pizzas on hand.

You get to experience the whole process of your pizza being made or “published.” The fresh dough is pressed in a mechanized dough press, and you choose your sauce, cheese and toppings before it’s popped into the oven.

THE EXPERIENCE

We went on a busy night and the line to order was out the door.

Owner Sarah Nguyen went around to each table checking on everyone. She opened the establishment with her husband, Phil, after visiting a Pizza Press location near Disneyland on more than one occasion. Enamored by the restaurant’s concept and the warm, friendly service, they decided to open one here.

Their establishment in Pearl City extends that warm service and provides a family friendly environment. Newsprint wallpaper and old photos add to the ambiance.

Members of a youth baseball team were there with their parents during happy hour for a fundraiser, and both the kids and the grownups were enjoying the experience.

THE FOOD

Dough is made fresh daily. The pizza has a thin and crunchy crust and is topped with an array of fresh ingredients. It’s quite tasty.

During happy hour, a small (8-inch), two-topping pizza with a pint of beer costs $11. We tried a happy hour pizza with pepperoni and sausage, paired with a fruity beer, Golden Road’s Mango Cart ($11).

We also tried a regular size Tribune pizza ($11.50), topped with red sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, red onion, mushroom, roasted red bell pepper, Italian sausage, kalamata olives and ricotta cheese.

In the end, I preferred having just a couple toppings, since it didn’t weigh down the crust. We chose the traditional red sauce but the spicy red sauce seemed to be a popular choice. Gluten-free pizza dough and vegan cheese may be ordered for an additional cost.

Although they’re not on the happy hour menu, mozzarella sticks ($6.95); stuffed mushrooms ($7.95) and cheesy garlic bread ($7.95) are other available choices.

THE DRINKS

An assortment of nearly two dozen craft beers are on hand. Select beers are offered during happy hour on a rotational basis.

The happy hour offerings were Stella Artois, Kona Big Wave golden ale, Waikiki Skinny Jeans IPA and Golden Road Mango Cart during my visit.

If you’re not into beer, wine or a Moscow Mule cocktail are options, but they are not on the happy hour menu.

We tried Paradise Ciders Killah Dragon and Guava Lava by Paradise Ciders (both $8.50). I really enjoyed both of them.

THE VERDICT

The Pizza Press is a relaxing neighborhood hangout. It’s a great spot if you’re looking for a good beer and pizza combo. I enjoyed the fresh ingredients and the friendly, informative staff, so I’d definitely go back.

Happy hour is currently offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays, but the Nguyens said they eventually plan to offer the specials Monday through Thursday.

Keep in mind that you may need to wait in line, but it’s worth it since the pizza is good and reasonably priced.