RANCHO CORDOVA— Assemblyman Josh Hoover (R-Folsom) has announced that Benji’s Woodfire Pizza has been named the 7th Assembly District’s Small Business of the Month for July 2026.
Small businesses are the backbone of local communities, creating jobs, strengthening neighborhoods and bringing people together. According to Hoover’s office, Benji’s Woodfire Pizza exemplifies those values through its commitment to quality food, community service and investing in the next generation.
Benji’s Woodfire Pizza was founded on April 8, 2021, by Andray Mikayelyan. The vision for the business began during a period of uncertainty after Mikayelyan was laid off from his restaurant job. During that time, he began considering how he could use his experience and passion for food to build a business with a greater purpose.
Raised by a hardworking single mother alongside his seven siblings, Mikayelyan grew up without a father and personally experienced the challenges many fatherless children face. Those experiences inspired him to create opportunities to mentor and support young men in the community.
What began as making pizza in his backyard for family and friends eventually grew into Benji’s Woodfire Pizza. Mikayelyan launched the business from his garage with the support of his brother, David Mikayelyan, his wife, children and the entire Benji’s team. Today, the restaurant is known for its authentic Neapolitan-style pizza, baked at more than 800 degrees in approximately 90 seconds using a traditional Italian wood-fired oven.
Beyond serving pizza, Benji’s supports The Father’s Lighthouse, a nonprofit organization dedicated to mentoring fatherless boys and helping them develop strong values, leadership skills, faith and a positive sense of purpose. Through that mission, the business continues to create a welcoming environment where young people can feel supported and connected.
“Benji’s Woodfire Pizza is a wonderful example of how a small business can make a meaningful difference in the community,” Hoover said. “Andray Mikayelyan has turned his personal experiences and passion for serving others into a business that provides exceptional food while investing in fatherless youth. I am proud to recognize Benji’s Woodfire Pizza as the 7th Assembly District Small Business of the Month.”
Through its commitment to quality, hospitality and service, Benji’s Woodfire Pizza continues to make a positive impact throughout Rancho Cordova and the greater Sacramento region.
Benji’s Woodfire Pizza is located at 2350 Sunrise Blvd., Suite 1, Rancho Cordova.
Hoover represents California’s 7th Assembly District, which includes the cities of Citrus Heights, Folsom and Rancho Cordova, along with the unincorporated communities of Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Foothill Farms, Gold River, Mather, McClellan Park, North Highlands, Orangevale and Rosemont.
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