about ZA
A Family, A Dream, A Slice of ZA.
At ZA, the couple brings their expertise and passion to life by making everything from scratch—especially their dough. Drawing on Brandon’s Chef’s approach to pizza, they use only the highest-quality, locally sourced ingredients and prepare each pizza with care. The dough is the heart of their pizza, carefully crafted with long, cold fermentation and high hydration to achieve a crisp, Neapolitan-inspired crust with a pronounced rim, capable of holding a plank of toppings.
Staying true to their roots, ZA serves both traditional and non-traditional pizzas, with attention to detail in every bite. Their goal is to deliver exceptional food and service, leaving a lasting impression with every visit.
Opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant in Portland has always been a dream for Brandon and Jessica, and it feels like the perfect full-circle moment. After years of honing their crafts in the city's restaurant and event scene, they’re thrilled to bring their love of food to a place that means so much to them.
“We just knew this was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up,” says Jessica. “We were constantly asked if we had a brick-and-mortar location and where people could get their hands on our food in the Portland area. Being able to share more of what we love with more people brings us so much joy, and we hope you feel that love in every bite and visit!”
Maine natives Brandon and Jessica, along with their two beautiful children, call southern Maine home. Their journey together began in 2014 when they met working at a restaurant on the Portland waterfront. From there, their story unfolded into a true tale of best friends falling in love, marrying, and building a life together in the world of food.
In 2022, they launched Truckin Pizza, a food truck and catering business, which quickly gained popularity with weddings, concerts, and a loyal crowd at Wild Bevy Distilling in Wells. The success was overwhelming, and in 2023, they added a second truck to keep up with demand.
For Brandon, the culinary path was clear from an early age. At just 4 years old, he learned to make whoopie pies with his grandfather, and by 2009, he graduated from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America. Jessica, on the other hand, has always had a knack for bringing people together. With a background in sales, event management, and restaurant operations, her passion for connecting with others shines through in every aspect of their business.