MEET MARTIN FLORES
OWNER AND FOUNDER OF MARTY MCPIES RESTAURANT
You wouldn’t know by tasting the pizzas at Marty McPies, but Martin Flores didn’t come from a traditional culinary background. He spent the majority of his career in the military and working on the railroad and refinery industries across the country. But no matter where his career took him, one thing stayed constant: his love for pizza. After sampling different styles throughout his travels, he noticed something missing in Corpus Christi’s food scene and set out to fill that gap.
"There are so many different types of pizzas out there to choose from,” he said. “I knew I wanted something different but still similar to my favorite pizzas I’ve had in the past. So, I took the best parts of each pizza and created something I believe is different and not traditional. Pizza can be anything, so I created a McPie.”
In 2021, Martin and his wife Amber launched a food truck called Marty McPies. He focused on developing everything from scratch, perfecting the dough and sauce while shaping a menu full of inventive takes. Amber, a full-time teacher with nine years of restaurant experience, supported the operation after school, balancing logistics, operations, and the growth of their small but mighty business.
The food truck quickly became a downtown favorite, setting up regularly at BUS, Rebel Toad Brewing, Hybrid Records, and monthly events like ArtWalk. As word spread and demand grew, Martin and Amber began searching for a permanent space. They were committed to staying downtown, where their loyal customer base had helped them grow.
"Being a permanent part of downtown feels like we we’re supposed to be there,” Martin said. “For the past three years in the food trailer, we’ve been serving the downtown community. With the help of Downtown Management District, we were able to find the perfect location to serve our city. We couldn’t be happier.”
That location, the former Blimpie building at the base of the Best Western Hotel on Shoreline, felt like fate. The couple had explored several spots, many of which didn’t work out, but this one had everything they were looking for. And thanks to artist Kip Toe and Mural Fest, you can’t miss it. The restaurant is wrapped in the Opalescent Octopus, a massive mural celebrating Corpus Christi’s aquatic lifestyle. The piece features a giant octopus wrapped around the building while a diver explores an underwater world in search of treasure - a fitting visual for a business that overcame challenges to discover its own home.
"When you walk into our pizza shop, you walk into a space that is us,” Martin explains. “We love pizza, we love art, we love nostalgia, and here, you get it all. It’s a fun, chill atmosphere where you can enjoy a pizza that’s fresh baked, out of this world.”
Inside, guests are greeted by pops of orange, white, and green, vintage arcade games, skateboard decks, and nods to local icons like the Sunrise Mall. The vibe is playful but welcoming, a blend of creative flair and comfort that reflects the couple behind it.
Outside, the patio is one of Marty McPies' biggest draws. With views of Corpus Christi Bay, it offers guests a chance to enjoy their meal in the sunshine, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the city.
Marty McPies specializes in handcrafted pizzas with unique flavor combinations starting with a base of fresh dough and house-made sauce. The Marty, a personal pizza topped with mini pepperonis, serrano peppers, fresh mozzarella, and hot honey, is a top-seller. The Garfield, a hearty blend of sausage, pepperoni, ricotta, parsley, and parmesan, is a nod to Garfield, the lasagna loving cat, and another standout pizza that keeps customers coming back.
From day one, the Corpus community has shown up to support Marty Mc Pies, whether it’s lining up for pizza during a busy weekend, sporting their merch, or following the journey from trailer to storefront. Today, Marty McPies stands as more than just a pizza place. It’s a space filled with personality, heart, and a commitment to bringing something new, and distinctly local, to the table.
