For Gary and Catherine Rurans, MiaAva East Coast Pizza is more than a business—it’s a labor of love built on family values, culinary passion, and a desire to bring something unique to their community. Located at 1971 Pahrump Valley Blvd, Suite B, the pizzeria has quickly gained a loyal following in just six months of operation. With authentic recipes, high-quality ingredients, and a welcoming atmosphere, the Rurans family is serving more than just pizza—they’re serving experiences.
The idea to open MiaAva East Coast Pizza stemmed from Gary and Catherine’s desire to offer something different in Pahrump. Having lived in the area for 19 years, they knew the community needed a true New York-style pizza experience. “We wanted to offer Pahrump a true NY-style pizza, peel to stone, as well as other items from the Midwest to the East Coast,” Gary explains. Their commitment to authenticity is evident in every bite. “We do not compromise on our ingredients, and our customers appreciate that difference.”
Catherine, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran who served in Iraq, brings a sense of discipline and commitment to their venture.
Together, they’ve turned their vision into reality with a menu inspired by the iconic flavors and styles of the East Coast. The name MiaAva carries special meaning for the Rurans family. “Mia and Ava are my two beautiful granddaughters,” Gary shares. Their photos, along with other family memorabilia, adorn the walls of the pizzeria, creating a warm, familial atmosphere. This personal touch underscores the Rurans’ dedication to making every customer feel like part of the family.
Opening a pizzeria from scratch wasn’t without its hurdles. Gary cites the biggest challenge as building and fitting out the restaurant. “We wanted to make sure we had the best equipment available,” he says. The hard work has paid off, as the pizzeria boasts a state-of-the-art kitchen where chefs prepare pizzas to perfection. MiaAva East Coast Pizza offers three distinct crust styles to cater to every palate: the classic New York thin crust, the pan-style Grandma crust, and the thick, crispy Detroit crust. Their commitment to quality shines in their choice of ingredients, which include San Marzano tomatoes imported from Naples, Italy, and a house cheese blend made from the finest cheeses available. “Our NY pizza is cooked peel to stone, so it will always have a nice crispy, slightly charred bottom,” Gary explains. These details ensure every pizza delivers an authentic East Coast experience.
The menu features standout creations like the MiaAva pizza, topped with chicken tenders, banana peppers, red onions, barbecue sauce, and Mike’s Hot Honey, and the Maximo, a white pizza with sausage, mushrooms, goat cheese, ricotta, and garlic-infused olive oil. For customers who like variety, pizza by the slice offers ever-changing options based on the chef’s daily inspiration. MiaAva East Coast Pizza is dedicated to inclusivity, offering gluten-free crusts and vegetarian options upon request. “We want everyone to feel welcome,” Gary says. Whether you’re a pizza traditionalist or have specific dietary needs, the menu has something to satisfy.
The menu extends far beyond pizza. “We have authentic Chicago Italian beef, Philly cheesesteaks, smash burgers, appetizers, desserts, and the best jumbo wings in town,” Gary says. For those seeking variety, these offerings ensure there’s something for every craving. While Pahrump doesn’t have an abundance of local suppliers, MiaAva East Coast Pizza sources ingredients from local businesses whenever possible. Their Spanish-themed pizzas, for example, feature ingredients from La Piedad, adding a unique twist to their menu.
Walking into MiaAva East Coast Pizza is like stepping into a cozy neighborhood pizzeria. “We want everyone to feel like they are transported to their Italian Nonna’s house as she just pulled her famous pizza out of the oven,” Gary says. The open kitchen allows customers to watch the chefs at work, while the walls showcase skylines from New York, Detroit, and Chicago, further enhancing the atmosphere.
In just six months, MiaAva East Coast Pizza has established itself as more than a restaurant—it’s becoming a gathering spot for the community. Gary and Catherine have decorated the walls with family photos and polaroids of happy customers, making the space personal and inviting. To foster a sense of community, the pizzeria offers a loyalty program for pizza slices and runs special promotions like “2 for $20” cheese pizzas on Mondays and football-themed deals. They also honor local heroes with discounts: veterans receive 10% off on Mondays, and first responders enjoy the same discount every day.
MiaAva East Coast Pizza actively engages with the local community through fundraisers, donations, and sponsorships. “We currently donate for fundraisers as well as sports teams and organizations,” Gary says. They proudly support the Wounded Warrior Project and offer discounts for veterans and first responders. Special promotions and community-focused events foster connections, while delicious and consistent food keeps customers coming back.
Looking ahead, Gary and Catherine are exploring ways to expand their reach. “We are about to roll out online ordering and our catering plans are in the works,” Gary shares. A food truck is also on the horizon, bringing their menu to local events and gatherings. In five years, Gary envisions growth. “Hopefully expanding!” he says. The menu will continue to evolve, with their head chef constantly experimenting with new recipes to keep customers coming back for more.
At its heart, MiaAva East Coast Pizza strives to be more than just a restaurant. “Our ultimate goal is to be known as the best pizza in town,” Gary says. Their dedication to quality, family values, and community involvement sets them apart. To stay ahead of the curve, their chefs attend the International Pizza Expo each year, learning from the world’s best and bringing cutting-edge techniques back to Pahrump.
With authentic flavors, a welcoming atmosphere, and a commitment to excellence, MiaAva East Coast Pizza is carving out its place as a cherished part of the Pahrump community. Visit MiaAva East Coast Pizza at 1971 Pahrump Valley Blvd, Suite B, or learn more at www.miaavaeastcoastpizza.com. Follow them on Facebook for updates and promotions, or call 775-505-4434.
1 Comment
What a great article. Very cool and spot on about how good that pizza is I wish they had done a story like this on our business!