Papa Dan's Pizza and Pasta Reopens After Destructive Fire

The beloved Coachella Valley restaurant is back in business nearly two years after an arson fire destroyed the original location.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 9:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

After a nearly two-year rebuild process following a devastating fire in 2024, Papa Dan's Pizza and Pasta in Palm Desert, California is set to officially reopen its doors. Owner Ira Mosley has worked to recreate the original restaurant's look and feel, while also adding new menu items and features like a bar area. The reopening has generated significant excitement in the community, with Mosley encouraging customers to order online or be prepared for long lines at the grand opening.

Why it matters

Papa Dan's has been a beloved institution in the Coachella Valley for years, and its destruction by an arson fire was a major loss for the local community. The restaurant's successful rebuild and reopening represents a triumph over adversity and the resilience of a small business owner committed to serving his customers.

The details

Mosley, the owner of Papa Dan's, said the process of rebuilding and reopening the restaurant has been chaotic, with various government agencies requiring changes and updates before granting approval. Despite the delays, Mosley has worked to recreate the original restaurant's look and feel, while also adding new features like a bar area and updated menu items. The reopening has generated significant excitement, with Mosley reporting that dozens of people have been showing up at the doors asking if the restaurant has already opened.

  • The original Papa Dan's was destroyed by an arson fire in April 2024.
  • Mosley gave an exclusive tour of the new space in December 2025, at which point he projected a mid-January 2026 reopening.
  • The actual grand reopening is now scheduled for March 18, 2026, nearly two years after the fire.

The players

Ira Mosley

The owner of Papa Dan's Pizza and Pasta, who has worked to rebuild the restaurant after it was destroyed by an arson fire in 2024.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Since the fire, it is one month short of two years, getting this back up and running.”

— Ira Mosley, Owner

“There's no such thing as grandfathering things in because I had nothing to grandfather in. Everything was burned. So it's starting from scratch. New laws, new rules, and it just takes time.”

— Ira Mosley, Owner

“It wasn't all me. Trust me. My sense of taste... this isn't it. But, you know, thank goodness for those that were involved in the design and, you know, layout and the artwork and all the rest of that stuff.”

— Ira Mosley, Owner

What’s next

A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday morning is set to officially mark the return of Papa Dan's Pizza and Pasta.

The takeaway

The successful rebuild and reopening of Papa Dan's Pizza and Pasta represents the resilience of a small business owner and the enduring appeal of a beloved community institution in the Coachella Valley.