My Experience at Pizza Ranch
Just when I thought that all pizza places were more-or-less the same, I stumbled upon pizza paradise - a place called Pizza Ranch. From lunch to dinner, they serve their delicious buffet meals with the complimentary benefit of bottomless drinks and desserts. My only regret is not saving enough room for dessert - a rookie error!
Beneath the humble spread of amazing food, lies a fantastic story of a pizza-obsessed kid named Adrie Groeneweg. This pizza prodigy, hailing from Hull, Iowa, had spent his childhood covered in flour in an attempt to craft the best-tasting pizzas. His hard work paid off as after 2 and a half years in Hull, he was approached by a businessman interested in a franchise opportunity. I love a good success story as much as the next person, and hearing about Adrie’s entrepreneurial spirit while munching on his delicious creations added a personal touch to my pizza ranch experience. And just like his pizza dough, Adrie's business rose - today, Pizza Ranch boasts over 200 outlets and a legion of dedicated customers.
Curious folks can find more about Pizza Ranch by visiting the company's website: https://pizzaranch.com/.
Pizza Ranch Locations
The Pizza Ranch empire occupies several corners of our beautiful country. You can find their outlets in several states.
- Colorado
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Even if you're directionally challenged like I am, their impressive store finder feature on the website will guide you to the nearest Pizza Ranch. Additionally, you can filter by features such as location, catering, delivery, gluten-sensitive options, and online ordering.
Now onto my favorite part - The Food! I wish words could do justice to their buffet. A sight to behold, it had pizzas of all shapes, flavors, and varieties. I spotted everything from timeless classics to some unique creations. Trust me, there was a pizza for every palate. My only advice? Always save room for dessert.
This place isn’t just for pizza lovers. The buffet boasted of a range of dishes including their legendary fried chicken. The chicken was a piece of culinary art – crispy on the outside, moist and juicy on the inside. Quite literally finger licking good!
What goes best with fried chicken? Yep - mashed potatoes and gravy! As a potato aficionado, I'm always on the lookout for a creamy mash, and Pizza Ranch's rendition of mashed potatoes was heavenly. The variety did not stop at entrées but continued to salad items, vegetables, Ranch wedges, and hot soup.
The dessert options were yet another chance for the Pizza Ranch to make my sweet tooth more than satisfied. Their signature Cactus Bread was an absolute delight - sweet, cinammony, and absolutely addictive. For chocolate lovers like me, their chewy chocolate chip cookies were pure happiness in a bite. I heard that selected locations even serve soft serve ice cream which is just another reason why I am excited for my next visit.
Short on time? Worry not. Selected stores offer a To-Go option, which includes two main courses and two sides from the buffet. How convenient is that?
Pizza Ranch’s menu stretched beyond the buffet. They offer a variety of speciality pizzas and side dishes which can be ordered for home delivery or carryout. If you want to flex your culinary creativity, you can also make your own pizza!
Does Pizza Ranch Cater Parties?
Thankfully, yes! Pizza Ranch offers catering services at selected locations. Why not let Pizza Ranch handle the food while you sit back and enjoy your event? Deciding now…
When Does Pizza Ranch Open?
General functioning hours for Pizza Ranch stores range between 11am and 9pm. However, local store timings may vary, so it is best to check with them. Do remember that their buffet timings differ from the store's opening hours. There might be a gap between lunchtime and dinnertime buffets which is something to consider especially if you are as hungry as a bear!
If you are looking to save some bucks while still enjoying some amazing food, drop by Pizza Ranch during lunchtime. Their lunch buffet is cheaper compared to dinner or weekend buffet times. Pretty nice, isn’t it?
A Kid-Friendly Pizza Place?
Without a doubt, yes! While Pizza Ranch doesn’t have a dedicated children’s menu, the buffet has many choices for the little ones. Not to mention, the buffet style allows children to experiment with different types of pizza without having to commit to a whole one. This for sure was a hit with my notoriously picky niece who thoroughly enjoyed sampling all the different alternatives.
Baking Pizza Ranch at Home?
If you are lucky enough to live nearby, selected stores provide ready-to-bake pizzas. It is a brilliant compromise for one of those days when you want Pizza Ranch but too lazy to step out. Trust me, the collection of mouth-watering pizzas in my freezer is the envy of my friends!
What about Gluten-Free Options?
Fortunately, for those who need to avoid gluten, Pizza Ranch offers gluten-free crust options. They also provide detailed information about all sauces and toppings which do not contain gluten. So all you gluten-sensitive folks can rejoice while crafting your perfect pizza.
Pizza Ranch Gift Card- A Perfect Gift?
Absolutely! If you're looking to gift someone an endless supply of great tasting pizza but struggling to wrap it in gift paper, Pizza Ranch has just the thing for you- their gift cards. The gift card can be redeemed against anything on the menu or at the buffet at participating stores. Could there be a more perfect gift for any pizza-loving person?
My Verdict
Pros:
- The variety of the buffet was impressive.
- The price point was very reasonable.
- Store availability across multiple states is convenient.
- Gluten-free options available.
Cons:
- The gap between lunch and dinner buffets.
- The awesome dessert options made me forget to fine-tune my sweet-eating strategy.
- The carryout doesn't match up to the buffet experience.
All in all, Pizza Ranch exudes a friendliness and sincerity that makes it more than just a typical pizza joint. Their commitment to serving up good food in a welcoming environment is palpable. As I wrapped up my meal and walked out the door, I already found myself planning the flavours I'll sample on my next visit!