Johnson's nickname resulted from nerve damage following a bout of malaria suffered during World War II.

This brought the music of Lu Watters to the Sacramento area and caused a local sensation.

[6] Shakey's also became known outside Sacramento, not for its pizza, but for the jazz program it sponsored on a regional radio network.

Up until the early 1970s printed menus included lyrics to classic barbershop songs so that the customers could sing along with the band while their meals were being prepared.

The original parlor (a remodeled grocery store)[5] at 57th and J Streets in Sacramento remained in business until the mid-1990s.

[7] By the early 1970s, Shakey's had become popular with families and youth sports groups in Southern California.

Youth sports teams would go to Shakey's after their weekend games, where the kids could eat pizza and have fun, and the parents could drink beer and socialize.

[9] As of early 2015, there were 153 Shakey's outlets in the Philippines, more than double the number remaining in the United States.

[10][11] In March 2016, the Century Pacific Group and the Singapore-based GIC Private Limited acquired the majority shares of IFFSI from the Prieto family, which will retain a minority interest in the company.

[19] On September 30, 2024, SPAVI announced the incorporation of an American subsidiary that would own and operate and franchise stores in the United States.

[20] Shakey Johnson sold his half of the company for $3 million to Colorado Milling and Elevator in 1967, which acquired Plummer's half for $9 million the next year when Colorado Milling merged with Great Western Sugar Company to become Great Western United Corporation.

[21] In 1974, Shakey's was sold from Great Western to Hunt International Resources, famous for their attempt to corner the silver market.

All locations closed their dining rooms in mid-March 2020 to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, with take-out service still available.