As a well-seasoned pizza connoisseur, I found myself drawn to a pizza joint that had piqued my interest for a while now - Pizza Inn. With its roots in Dallas, Texas, this chain of pizza restaurants offers the very best of American pan pizza, a variety of pastas, side dishes, and of course, one can't forget about desserts. They cater to folks looking for a quick bite at lunchtime that might turn into a well-deserved dinner feast.
Honestly, what caught my eye was how vast this chain is! Pizza Inn has grown beyond just an American phenomenon with over 300 locations across the United States, especially holding significance in the southern parts. Internationally, they can be found in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia which attests to the greatness of their food.
I twitched with excitement just thinking about biting into one of their pizzas as I stepped into their branch in North Carolina. It's fascinating to know that they have outlets dotted across places like Arkansas, Texas, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and more. Can you imagine how many pizza lovers they must be satisfying all around the globe?
Pizza Inn’s inception sprung from a couple of pizza-loving brothers in 1958. F.J. (Joe) and R.L. Spillman shared a love for pizza and dreamed of opening their own pizza spot. Their first location in Dallas was directly across from the Southern Methodist University — talk about a perfect market!
Stepping into an eatery named the “America’s Hometown Pizza Buffet,” you could guess at their generosity. In its prime, there were over 500 Pizza Inn locations, and that was no small feat. In 1994, the restaurant was named the #1 pizza chain in a consumer poll conducted by Restaurants & Institutions magazine. By 2021, they had 200 locations but started expanding again by 2023.
If you’re intrigued about my experience or want to know more about Pizza Inn, do check their official website.
The Secret to Pizza Inn’s Success
Walking into Pizza Inn, there was a sense of nostalgia in the air. They’ve been serving pizza enthusiasts for six decades and despite various setbacks, continue to open new locations even today. Perhaps that’s one of their secrets - adaptability and perseverance!
I was most intrigued by the variety offered at the all-day pizza buffet. It caters to both lunch and dinner guests and is one of their star attractions. Imagine feasting on a buffet filled not only with a variety of pizzas but also pasta and side dishes. Pizza heaven, am I right?
One thing that tasted distinctly different about Pizza Inn’s offering was their dough. It's made from scratch, made fresh daily, and topped off with locally sourced ingredients. This ensures that the pizza stays fresh and maintains a high-quality taste.
My favourite part about Pizza Inn? The family-friendliness. It’s a sought-after location for families and sports teams alike, offering a cozy atmosphere and friendly customer service.
The Pizza Inn menu really did offer variety and choice. The 8 categories are:
- Pizza
- Appetizers
- Wings
- Pasta
- Salad
- Stromboli
- Twists
- Dessert
My Pizza Inn Experience
Pros
- The dough was fresh and tasty
- All-day pizza buffet
Cons
- Some menu items can vary by location
- Don't offer a designated vegetarian menu