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Performance Brand Quietly Crushes Appetites

The manufacturing facilities of performance fastener maker ARP are located in Santa Paula, California, a quiet community known primarily for its citrus and avocado agriculture. However, one downside of the rural area was a distinct lack of really good dining establishments. So, when it came time to expand its operations some 15 years ago, ARP included a restaurant in the building plans.

ARP founder Gary Holzapfel’s father, who went by the nickname Hozy, was a chef by profession so food had always been an important part of his life. Gary’s appreciation for fine food also been passed down to son Mike Holzapfel, who is ARP’s president, and others in ARP’s management team. When it came time to choose a name for the establishment, Hozy’s Grill was selected.

Now comes the interesting part: This hidden gem of a restaurant nestled in an industrial area is a gourmet’s delight. In fact, it earned a Best of Award of Excellence from The Wine Spectator, a premiere hospitality industry publication. And the cooking staff has included chefs trained by the Culinary Institute of America in Napa, California.

The same quest for excellence that has made ARP fasteners stand above the norm can be found in the way the restaurant operates. Only premium meats, poultry, fish and locally sourced vegetables are used. The beef is aged on the premises. And if the best lobsters come from Maine, stone crab claws from Florida, lamb from Colorado or cheesecake from New York, they’re flown in.

There is no doubt that the roots of Hozy’s Grill are deep in motorsports, as the restaurant is decorated with photos of race cars from a variety of venues -including a number of ARP’s best-known customers. Additionally, there are unique works of art positioned around the dining area that are based on various engine components and furnished by manufacturers and race teams.

Hozy’s Grill is open to the public, moderately priced, and enjoys an ever-growing local customer base. It’s also been a favorite stop of hot rodders and cruisers who venture down Route 126 between the Santa Clarita Valley of Los Angeles and the city of Ventura, California.

Hozy’s Grill is located at 1760 E. Lemonwood Drive and open for breakfast and lunch daily, as well as for dinner Wednesday through Saturday.

Visit hozysgrill.com for additional information. And for fasteners, it’s arp-bolts.com.

Bill Holland

Bill Holland has been involved in virtually every aspect of the performance aftermarket as a racer, speed shop owner, journalist and marketing specialist. He received a Lifetime Achievement Wally from NHRA in 2017, and currently provides advertising and PR services to a number of manufacturers through his company, Holland Communications Inc.

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