The best major pizza chain?

Obviously, many of us here detest the major pizza chains. I find that Domino's, Little Ceasars, Pizza Hut, Papa John's, and Chuck E. Cheese are all mediocre at best.

But, is there a major chain that you like?

I've always been a fan of Round Table which is a major chain here on the west coast. Most people I know consider it the only chain worth eating at. Straw Hat used to be a popular choice, but they are now so few and far between, that I couldn't call them a major chain anymore.

I have no problem with pizza chains. I just differentiate between wanting "Domino's" or some such and wanting "pizza." There are some nigths that Domino's will suffice -- though those are now fewer and farther between with the improvements in frozen supermarket pizzas -- but, I still don't call that pizza. Pizza should have a hand-tossed crust, with fresh toppings, etc. The chains don't really make that happen -- and I can get the same product they offer from the frozen stuff in the grocery store.

Steve

Since I was a little kid, I've always liked the "Mom & Pop" places. Various reasons and long stories...

However, I'm not totally "anti-chain". Good food is good food...

I've NEVER found a national pizza chain, though, that I could recommend. As a young man, I LOVED Ken's Pizza, a regional chain out of Oklahoma. As an old man, I still stop at the one in Eufaula sometimes, because I still like the flavor.

For some reason, I used to like Domino's Pizza a lot more when I was in college in Minnesota back in the mid-seventies. Maybe it really was better back then before the chain began to really expand nationally and the bean counters took control. Or maybe my tastes have changed over the years. It just seems as though the quality of the toppings that they use has declined precipitously. In any event, there actually is one chain with national aspirations (they have stores in 7 states and in the District of Columbia) that I think makes decent pizza. It's Ledo's. http://www.ledopizza.com Perhaps this is due in part to the fact that there seems to be considerable leeway allowed in how each restaurant composes its menu and runs its business. At the one we sometimes patronize in Largo, MD, we were told by an employee that the only constant among the outlets, other than the name, is the pizza sauce used (I also think they all have square pizzas). It will be interesting to see whether, as they expand, they can maintain the quality of their pizza.

I prefer pizza from one of the many excellent independent pizzarias in our area, so there really is little reason to get one from a chain. My younger son used to eat only Pizza Hut, but his tastes have changed as he has grown and he now prefers the pizza we like best. If I had to get one from a chain, I have found Papa Johns is about the best quality chain in our area.

OK. Here's the deal. The chains are bad. But! I can take an apizza from a Dominos or a Papa John's and I can actually make the product pretty good.

I add dried oreganeo, dried basil, garlic granules (not garlic powder), and olive oil, then I put the pie into a pre-heated 350 degree oven for 20 minutes and, what do you know, a good tomato pie.

Honest!

IMO, there is no "Best Major Pizza Chain"... I do, like others suffer thru ordering out to avoid the hassel, or maybe at work for something quick... Not that this is my recomendation, but if I have to make a choice it would be Papa Johns... Atleast the pepper they toss in is tasty... (at least most the time). Then I also used to live in Indy where they came from, so I may be a bit prejudiced also... Next level down would be pizza hut... But they've gone so thin on their toppings, its more like a slab of bread with a little salty sauce and topping with a drizzle of chez.

quote:

Originally posted by Bushie

Since I was a little kid, I've always liked the "Mom & Pop" places. Various reasons and long stories...

However, I'm not totally "anti-chain". Good food is good food...

I've NEVER found a national pizza chain, though, that I could recommend. As a young man, I LOVED Ken's Pizza, a regional chain out of Oklahoma. As an old man, I still stop at the one in Eufaula sometimes, because I still like the flavor.

You are right Bushie. Ken's wasn't bad. We had one in Midwest City, sadly they are long gone. I do miss them.

Hungry for pizza in Midwest City, Oklahoma

As far as chains go my favorite pizza chains are regional ones, including the following:

Donato's (eastern US)
East of Chicago Pizza Co. (Ohio and Indiana, with one location each in Virginia and Florida)
LaRosa's (SW Ohio)
Rocky Rococo (mostly Wisconsin)

quote:

Originally posted by McFan

As far as chains go my favorite pizza chains are regional ones, including the following:

Donato's (eastern US)
East of Chicago Pizza Co. (Ohio and Indiana, with one location each in Virginia and Florida)
LaRosa's (SW Ohio)
Rocky Rococo (mostly Wisconsin)

Oh Man.. I totally forgot about Donato's... They closed here over a year ago, but this would be #1 on my list I mentioned above! It's not a hearty pizza of sorts, but it sure was tasty! Guess I do admit to missing a "chain pizza" joint...

Because I have some affection for their "Big New Yorker" pizza, I will admit to liking Pizza Hut.

I really don't dislike any of the national pizza chains. Sure, I can get a better pizza from some other place, but I don't actually dislike their pizzas. I had a thin crust Domino's the other day, was quite good.

I guess I can say I've rarely been unhappy with a pizza from a pizzeria, chain or otherwise.

On the other hand, the day the school cafeteria decided to save some money and make "pizza" with a slice of white bread covered with catsup and topped with a slice of american "cheese food" then baked.......gack.

quote:

But, is there a major chain that you like?

No, and I've always wondered why that is.

If i was forced to name a pizza chain I had to eat from it would be Grotto's (Delaware mostly) and Pizzeria Regina (Boston) For the last I would only want to go to their original location in the North end, but any of their satellites will do.

There is just as much crappy independent pizza out there too!

quote:

Originally posted by Bushie

Since I was a little kid, I've always liked the "Mom & Pop" places. Various reasons and long stories...

However, I'm not totally "anti-chain". Good food is good food...

I've NEVER found a national pizza chain, though, that I could recommend. As a young man, I LOVED Ken's Pizza, a regional chain out of Oklahoma. As an old man, I still stop at the one in Eufaula sometimes, because I still like the flavor.

national chains--they all stink--simple--regional--thats different-----
i've wondered about Ken's--good pizza is NOT Ok's strong point so i havent gone in because i didnt want another lousy pizza--but i go by the Ken's in Eufalla alot and the only pizza i know that is really worth eating around here is 50 miles away or more--Hideaway in Tulsa-okc-Norman and Stillwater. However---if both you and Ralph Isbill can vouch for it-maybe i should give it a try---btw Bushie--check Adelita's mexican just before Kens by the coner!

quote:

Originally posted by Ralph Isbill

quote:

Originally posted by Bushie

Since I was a little kid, I've always liked the "Mom & Pop" places. Various reasons and long stories...

However, I'm not totally "anti-chain". Good food is good food...

I've NEVER found a national pizza chain, though, that I could recommend. As a young man, I LOVED Ken's Pizza, a regional chain out of Oklahoma. As an old man, I still stop at the one in Eufaula sometimes, because I still like the flavor.

You are right Bushie. Ken's wasn't bad. We had one in Midwest City, sadly they are long gone. I do miss them.

Hungry for pizza in Midwest City, Oklahoma

Ralph--i havent been in YET--but the Ken's Pizza in Eufalla is very much alive---at least the lights are on and there's always cars in the lot----now that you and Bushie have weighed in on them, i am going to stop by and give them a shot---will let you know how it went.

It's been years since they were in Midwest City, as I said they were not bad. Let me know how you fared.

We almost always have Papa John's. It's sort of like the old joke --you hold a gun on me while I take a drink of the moonshine, then I will hold the gun on you while you drink it.

i like the hut... pizza hut...and chucky cheese is good too...

quote:

Originally posted by Snowy

i like the hut... pizza hut...and chucky cheese is good too...

I'm so sorry to hear that!!

We have a relatively new chain in the ATL area which, in the 3 time I've been have had reasonably good pizza - CiCi's. They have taken the old Shakey's concept of pizza and salad buffet and brought it back. I went in with a pre-conceived notion that it would be awful, but was surprised. I still go to my neighborhood places first, and rely on Domino's for delivery, but I was surprised at CiCi's. Another thought: Has anyone else tried the fresh, unbaked, pizza at Costco? We love them.

CiCi's has also just opened in the Eastgate area of Cincinnati......

quote:

Originally posted by tiki

Ralph--i havent been in YET--but the Ken's Pizza in Eufalla is very much alive---at least the lights are on and there's always cars in the lot----now that you and Bushie have weighed in on them, i am going to stop by and give them a shot---will let you know how it went.

tiki, don't get your hopes up. I would have hesitated to recommend it to you, knowing that you've experienced great pizza all over the country. Ken's makes a thin-crust pizza that I always liked, but I don't know what you'll think of it. Like Ralph said, I would love to hear what you think if you stop there.

quote:

Originally posted by Bushie

quote:

Originally posted by tiki

Ralph--i havent been in YET--but the Ken's Pizza in Eufalla is very much alive---at least the lights are on and there's always cars in the lot----now that you and Bushie have weighed in on them, i am going to stop by and give them a shot---will let you know how it went.

tiki, don't get your hopes up. I would have hesitated to recommend it to you, knowing that you've experienced great pizza all over the country. Ken's makes a thin-crust pizza that I always liked, but I don't know what you'll think of it. Like Ralph said, I would love to hear what you think if you stop there.

Have no fear--i KNOW better then to expect miricles--but it would be nice to find a place to get a decent pie once in a while---the nearest pizza here is Simple Simon---NOT PIZZA---not even close!!!! So any decent EDIBLE pie would be nice! i will probaly get a mushroom and sausage pie to go--for we all know the true test of take out pizza is room temp next day for breakfast!!! The pies from Hideaway pass this test----and their "HalfBaked"s-that you finish at home are great for me---since im 50 miles from the pizzeria!--so im looking for one a little closer to home--need a pie for "cant cook now the game is on" times!

Too bad this particular thread isn't entitled ""The best major pizza chain"... that USED to be good""...

Peachpie---i too LOVE Boboli!!! fast easy-tasty and best of all--i can cantrol the amount and quality of then toppings. They are actually my preferred pizza in this area of Oklahoma--my fall back "Default"

While it is probably unknown in most of the country, Bertucci's actually has pretty decent pizza.

In fact, while Mom & Pop places are usually the best, there is one Mom & Pop place near me that is really bad (watery "soup" floating on a mediocre crust). If I had to choose between them and Bertucci's, Bertucci's would be the winner hands down!

I have found Domino's to be pretty near tasteless, and Pizza Hut's pies sit like lead in my stomach. I have always thought that PH uses some kind of shortening in their crust, although I can't prove this. Little Caesar's (the one time that I tried it) was pretty awful. I have never tried Papa John's, but living in NJ, I have good Mom & Pop places + Bertucci's to choose from, so I don't anticipate giving PJ's a try.

I note with interest that some people mentioned that they like Donato's. Did you know that this is a subsidiary of McDonald's? I was unaware of this until I started reading the annual corporate report thoroughly.
I guess it proves that you can do something right on a "chain level" if you really want to.

quote:

Originally posted by Snowy

i like the hut... pizza hut...and chucky cheese is good too...

Please stick around awhile and really digest (!) what many of the experienced posters have to say. I know you will eventually change your mind about places like "The Hut" and Chuck E. Cheese (I could eat neither without becoming ill from the oiliness, and haven't in years). Chuck E. Cheese brings back memories of my daughter as a 5 year old going to parties there. The noise level was astounding.

I keep reading about, and driving past, Donato's, and still haven't stopped. There seems to be only one in South Jersey, I think, and for some reason I just haven't found a good enough reason to go in! Or else I was alone, or had Weigh-In that night, or whatever. Some day. I don't eat too much pizza these days; there are so many small pizza places around here and they all tasted about the same, either more greasy or less greasy.

When I lived in Philly, though, I absolutely loved New England Pizza, and they are still at the same location they were at when I was young.

If you go to Toronto, Canada there are a couple of chains that are way better than most. The best is called Pizza Nova, which is closer to authentic Italian pizza than you will find in other chains. They have stores mainly in the greater Toronto area and I always try to grab a slice or two whenever I'm in the area. Another chain is Pizza Pizza which is known in Toronto for it's centralized phone number (967-1111). They have stores in every large city across Ontario and they are good too, not as good as Pizza Nova but better than most chains. Boston Pizza, a chain stationed out in Alberta has been making a push to expand into the east. Don't eat there as their pizzas suck.

quote:

Originally posted by shaynas_mom

quote:

Originally posted by Snowy

i like the hut... pizza hut...and chucky cheese is good too...

Please stick around awhile and really digest (!) what many of the experienced posters have to say. I know you will eventually change your mind about places like "The Hut" and Chuck E. Cheese (I could eat neither without becoming ill from the oiliness, and haven't in years). Chuck E. Cheese brings back memories of my daughter as a 5 year old going to parties there. The noise level was astounding.

I keep reading about, and driving past, Donato's, and still haven't stopped. There seems to be only one in South Jersey, I think, and for some reason I just haven't found a good enough reason to go in! Or else I was alone, or had Weigh-In that night, or whatever. Some day. I don't eat too much pizza these days; there are so many small pizza places around here and they all tasted about the same, either more greasy or less greasy.

When I lived in Philly, though, I absolutely loved New England Pizza, and they are still at the same location they were at when I was young.

I don't know if I'm the only one on the board who is seeing right through this, but I believe the initial post is a practical joke (not yours Shayna's Mom). I'm not trying to be sarcastic or condescending here but, I think it's very, very obvious.

WJ,

You mean you don't think that Snowy actually likes "the hut" and "chuckie??"

Frank

quote:

Originally posted by fcbaldwin


WJ,

You mean you don't think that Snowy actually likes "the hut" and "chuckie??"

Frank

Hi Frank!

Sometimes you gotta check out all of the posts and read between the lines!!

Based on Snowy's other posts, one might think that s/he actually DOES like Pizza Hut and Chuckie Cheese.

quote:

Originally posted by wanderingjew

I don't know if I'm the only one on the board who is seeing right through this, but I believe the initial post is a practical joke (not yours Shayna's Mom). I'm not trying to be sarcastic or condescending here but, I think it's very, very obvious.

Oh, I know...I know. I'd bet you a haggis pizza...

I don't know. Maybe it was the misspelling of Chuck E. Cheese. Sometimes I try to be more than just Shayna's mom, you know...trying to guide them onto the right path, ad nauseum. But as with the infamous mayo thread, sometimes it's wasted energy, too! I don't ever feel too played in Roadfood, because I get too much out of it here (like a tears-streaming-down-my-face-inducing laugh).

quote:

Originally posted by shaynas_mom

quote:

Originally posted by wanderingjew

I don't know if I'm the only one on the board who is seeing right through this, but I believe the initial post is a practical joke (not yours Shayna's Mom). I'm not trying to be sarcastic or condescending here but, I think it's very, very obvious.

Oh, I know...I know. I'd bet you a haggis pizza...

I don't know. Maybe it was the misspelling of Chuck E. Cheese. Sometimes I try to be more than just Shayna's mom, you know...trying to guide them onto the right path, ad nauseum. But as with the infamous mayo thread, sometimes it's wasted energy, too! I don't ever feel too played in Roadfood, because I get too much out of it here (like a tears-streaming-down-my-face-inducing laugh).

Don't forget the lutefisk pizza...

http://www.svenandoles.com/menupagethree.html

For some reason, the mention of the lutefisk pizza prompted a memory of our visit to Prince Edward Island in 1994 (maybe Grand Marais' proximity to Canada). We did eat at Pizza Delight there and we thought it was really good. http://www.pizzadelight.com . As I said, it was in 1994. I don't know anything about their quality now.

quote:

Originally posted by Bushie

quote:

Originally posted by tiki

Ralph--i havent been in YET--but the Ken's Pizza in Eufalla is very much alive---at least the lights are on and there's always cars in the lot----now that you and Bushie have weighed in on them, i am going to stop by and give them a shot---will let you know how it went.

tiki, don't get your hopes up. I would have hesitated to recommend it to you, knowing that you've experienced great pizza all over the country. Ken's makes a thin-crust pizza that I always liked, but I don't know what you'll think of it. Like Ralph said, I would love to hear what you think if you stop there.

Bushie---Janie and I stopped by the Ken' Pizza in Eufalla last night---not the best pizza but certqainly not the worst!!!! they had two crust--one very thin--one a little thicker--and neither was SOGGY---that goes along way with me! the sauce was decent---nicely spicy and not just toamto sauce---and they put eough toppings on but not overloaded---all in all it was a good deal and they actually have a Tuesday night special that include all the pizza you could eat--salad bar with dessert--i liked the Apple strudel pizza!--and drinks --we Both ate for NINE DOLLARS AND 52 CENTS!!!! all in all--they arent as good as good as Hideaway---or my beloved east coast pizza's!!!---but they were a refreshing change from the slop at most pizza chains!!---good call!--thanks!

Davanni's here in Minnesota is pretty good in a pinch!

frank pepe's and the spot

I actually really like Godfathers pizza. I don't eat it to often as the dough is very thick and makes me fat. Every few months though I get a half combination half taco, big big fan of the taco.

Dominoes for some reason to me tastes "fake" if you know what I mean. Like those bread type products you buy in a can that poofes open and you bake at home.

Pizza hut is interesting, way greasy, and it seams like the topping shrink away from the crust and get glopped toward the center of the pie. Edible.

quote:

Originally posted by tiki


Bushie---Janie and I stopped by the Ken' Pizza in Eufalla last night---not the best pizza but certqainly not the worst!!!! they had two crust--one very thin--one a little thicker--and neither was SOGGY---that goes along way with me! the sauce was decent---nicely spicy and not just toamto sauce---and they put eough toppings on but not overloaded---all in all it was a good deal and they actually have a Tuesday night special that include all the pizza you could eat--salad bar with dessert--i liked the Apple strudel pizza!--and drinks --we Both ate for NINE DOLLARS AND 52 CENTS!!!! all in all--they arent as good as good as Hideaway---or my beloved east coast pizza's!!!---but they were a refreshing change from the slop at most pizza chains!!---good call!--thanks!

tiki, glad to hear it wasn't hideous. I've added Hideaway to my "to try" list. Thanks.

Ken's Pizza was the first major pizza franchise venture of Ken Selby of Tulsa. He morphed many of the original Ken's (but obviously some of the original franchises remain) into his newer Mazzio's Pizza concept and has built on that since. I guess my point is that if you liked Ken's you can get similar style/quality pizza at Mazzio's.

Tiki and Bushie:
Although I like Hideaway very much, Mario's NY Style Pizzeria in Tulsa is the real deal, especially for displaced Northeasterners. Great thin crust pizza (by the slice or full pie) and thick Sicilian square pizza. Also, White Pizza topped with ricotta cheese and fresh tomato slices and great hot hero sandwiches (meatball parm, eggplant parm, and sausage, onions, and peppers). Truly worth a try!

quote:

Originally posted by Howard Baratz


Tiki and Bushie:
Although I like Hideaway very much, Mario's NY Style Pizzeria in Tulsa is the real deal, especially for displaced Northeasterners. Great thin crust pizza (by the slice or full pie) and thick Sicilian square pizza. Also, White Pizza topped with ricotta cheese and fresh tomato slices and great hot hero sandwiches (meatball parm, eggplant parm, and sausage, onions, and peppers). Truly worth a try!

Now were talkin!!---Mario's SOUNDS great!!!---where are they---i will be in Tulsa on sat---bass player and I are off to the opening weekend sale at the New Guitar Center!---and will OF COURSE need to eat!!---was thinking of Webers and a burger but would LOVE to try Mario's NY Style!--havent seen an eggplant parm sub in a while!!---do they sell slices?

just say NO to papa johns , thier sauce is disgustingly sweet / like they add sugar , stick to the independents and stay clear of the chains

quote:

Originally posted by tiki

quote:

Originally posted by Howard Baratz


Tiki and Bushie:
Although I like Hideaway very much, Mario's NY Style Pizzeria in Tulsa is the real deal, especially for displaced Northeasterners. Great thin crust pizza (by the slice or full pie) and thick Sicilian square pizza. Also, White Pizza topped with ricotta cheese and fresh tomato slices and great hot hero sandwiches (meatball parm, eggplant parm, and sausage, onions, and peppers). Truly worth a try!

Now were talkin!!---Mario's SOUNDS great!!!---where are they---i will be in Tulsa on sat---bass player and I are off to the opening weekend sale at the New Guitar Center!---and will OF COURSE need to eat!!---was thinking of Webers and a burger but would LOVE to try Mario's NY Style!--havent seen an eggplant parm sub in a while!!---do they sell slices?

Tiki:

Slices are available on all pizza types. Mario's is on 51st Street (on the north side of the street) just east of Harvard. I had an Eggplant Parm hero (and a slice while I was waiting for my sandwich) just last night and both were great! I hope you make it there on Saturday.

Thanks, Howard. Great info. !!!!!

I know I used to love Shakey's growing up in the DC area. However, recently tried again in L.A., and it was disgusting.

I don't know if any are left, but I very much liked Pizza Inn...had a nice thin craker crust and terrific sauce (outstanding for a chain) They were all over the east coast, but I think I saw one somewhere recently on a business trip (Texas perhaps?) Anyone know?

quote:

Originally posted by Fred Ferris

I don't know if any are left, but I very much liked Pizza Inn...had a nice thin craker crust and terrific sauce (outstanding for a chain) They were all over the east coast, but I think I saw one somewhere recently on a business trip (Texas perhaps?) Anyone know?

Fred, you're right about Pizza Inn. Their thin-crust pizza is crispy with a really good flavor. I had forgotten about them.

I know of a couple in the Dallas area, and I've run across a few in Arkansas. I don't know how wide-spread they still are, but it's a good cracker-crust pizza.

quote:

Originally posted by McFan

As far as chains go my favorite pizza chains are regional ones, including the following:

Donato's (eastern US)
East of Chicago Pizza Co. (Ohio and Indiana, with one location each in Virginia and Florida)
LaRosa's (SW Ohio)
Rocky Rococo (mostly Wisconsin)

I betting that the cervix at Rocky Rococo is exceptional...

quote:

Originally posted by TJ Jackson

CiCi's has also just opened in the Eastgate area of Cincinnati......

I've been to the one in Finneytown a couple of times and it's decent pizza at a good price. My only problem was that they didn't have any normal pizzas. Everything was taco or cheesburger or b-b-que or something. A good ol sausage pizza would be nice

quote:

Originally posted by tiki

quote:

Originally posted by Howard Baratz


Tiki and Bushie:
Although I like Hideaway very much, Mario's NY Style Pizzeria in Tulsa is the real deal, especially for displaced Northeasterners. Great thin crust pizza (by the slice or full pie) and thick Sicilian square pizza. Also, White Pizza topped with ricotta cheese and fresh tomato slices and great hot hero sandwiches (meatball parm, eggplant parm, and sausage, onions, and peppers). Truly worth a try!

Now were talkin!!---Mario's SOUNDS great!!!---where are they---i will be in Tulsa on sat---bass player and I are off to the opening weekend sale at the New Guitar Center!---and will OF COURSE need to eat!!---was thinking of Webers and a burger but would LOVE to try Mario's NY Style!--havent seen an eggplant parm sub in a while!!---do they sell slices?

Tiki:

Did you make it to Mario's? If so, I'm dying to know what you thought.

Pizza - I grew up about 50 miles north of NYC. There was one place in my small town back in the 50s and early 60s named "Bruno's" that made a typical NY pizza pie back when nothing about pizza was typical.
A typical NY pizza has a thin crust underneath with a thick outer ring of puffy crust. The sauce has a distinct spicy taste and the cheese is real and tastes real. Anything you order on top has lots of fresh distinct full taste.
There is not a single national chain I know of
that makes a pizza like that but it seems like no matter where you go within 100 miles of NYC you can get a pizza like that at almost any independent pizza shop.
It was always the first thing my kids wanted when we'd go visit the family every summer.
. . . but there's never been anything like Bruno's since.

Regarding the major chains, I would have to pick Papa Johns "works" pizza though the sauce and crust are sweeter than I'd prefer. Re the major chains, their toppings do taste fresher to me, especially the veggies. I also like the pepperoncinis and garlic butter they include. It's not prime pizza by any means, but when I'm in a hurry and just want to go home it works for me far better than Pizza Hut, Dominoes, or Little Caesars. Though, for the money, Little Caesars $5.99 large pepperoni pizza isn't bad if you're in a pinch. But, readers, I am in a small town in KY so there isn't much choice anyway!


Andrea

quote:

Originally posted by Howard Baratz

quote:

Originally posted by tiki

quote:

Originally posted by Howard Baratz


Tiki and Bushie:
Although I like Hideaway very much, Mario's NY Style Pizzeria in Tulsa is the real deal, especially for displaced Northeasterners. Great thin crust pizza (by the slice or full pie) and thick Sicilian square pizza. Also, White Pizza topped with ricotta cheese and fresh tomato slices and great hot hero sandwiches (meatball parm, eggplant parm, and sausage, onions, and peppers). Truly worth a try!

Now were talkin!!---Mario's SOUNDS great!!!---where are they---i will be in Tulsa on sat---bass player and I are off to the opening weekend sale at the New Guitar Center!---and will OF COURSE need to eat!!---was thinking of Webers and a burger but would LOVE to try Mario's NY Style!--havent seen an eggplant parm sub in a while!!---do they sell slices?

Tiki:

Did you make it to Mario's? If so, I'm dying to know what you thought.

Howard---didnt get there because my driver had other ideas---bugers and root beer!!!---BUT--we are headed up again to pick up some stuff we ordered and i already established the PIZZA at Mario's is Lunch!---will let you know how it goes.

quote:

Originally posted by oneiron339

We have a relatively new chain in the ATL area which, in the 3 time I've been have had reasonably good pizza - CiCi's. They have taken the old Shakey's concept of pizza and salad buffet and brought it back. I went in with a pre-conceived notion that it would be awful, but was surprised. I still go to my neighborhood places first, and rely on Domino's for delivery, but I was surprised at CiCi's.

I ate there when I was in Dallas (That's where they started) not bad at all. About 20 or so kinds of pizza. All you can eat for $3.99 (Plus $1.25 for soft drinks).

I'd give them a thumbs up. (and two thumbs up for bang for the buck)

quote:

Originally posted by Theedge

I actually really like Godfathers pizza.

About a quarter-century ago, Godfather's was IT as far as pizza goes. I have eaten pizza around the country, including most of the fabled joints, but I still say that as far as a proper deep-dish pizza goes, the old Godfather's combo was the ne plus ultra of the form.

Unfortunately, as ingredients became more expensive, Godfather's had to start cutting back both on quality and on amount: a large Godfather's combo as it was in 1980, when it probably cost about $13, would be pushing $40 today. (Frankly, I would still pay that for one, but that's just me.) As the ingredients worsened, the customers deserted the place, causing them to lower prices (and quality) even further. It became a death spiral.

When I left Albuquerque about three years ago, there was still a Godfather's there, on Montgomery. I would go in there once a year or so, hoping that things might have changed, but they never did.

quote:

Originally posted by Theedge

I actually really like Godfathers pizza. I don't eat it to often as the dough is very thick and makes me fat. Every few months though I get a half combination half taco, big big fan of the taco.

I worked at a Godfather's in the early 80's and I remember that the taco pizza had a small, but loyal following. We had a couple who were regular customers, and every Wednesday they'd order a large taco pizza. On one Wednesday, I had taken my break and gone to K-Mart to pick up a film order. They showed up while I was gone and ordered the usual. When I walked back into the restaurant, I saw them eating their pizza and realized that the only taco sauce we had in the make table had gone bad. (Maybe not bad, but it bubbled and there was a rush of gas that burned your eyes when you opened the container. Fermented maybe?) I asked the guy I was working with if he had made a fresh batch of sauce, but he was new and didn't know the difference between good and bad sauce. I started having visions of these people being rushed to the hospital with food poisoning and was trying to decide on a course of action when the guy motioned me to the counter. Expecting the worse, I was about to apologize for the mistake, but he started going on about how much better the pizza had been than normal. He and his wife both claimed that it had more of a bite and asked if we did anything different. I told him that the sauce might have been a little "old" and he asked me if I could keep around some "old" taco sauce for when they came in. It wasn't up to me, but I made sure that if it got near Wednesday and the taco sauce was getting a little "gassy", that a new batch was made and the old batch tucked away in the walk-in. To each his own, I guess.

Originally posted by Wallyum

Originally posted by Theedge

I worked at a Godfather's in the early 80's and I remember that the taco pizza had a small, but loyal following. We had a couple who were regular customers, and every Wednesday they'd order a large taco pizza. On one Wednesday, I had taken my break and gone to K-Mart to pick up a film order. They showed up while I was gone and ordered the usual. When I walked back into the restaurant, I saw them eating their pizza and realized that the only taco sauce we had in the make table had gone bad. ... I asked the guy I was working with if he had made a fresh batch of sauce, but he was new and didn't know the difference between good and bad sauce. I started having visions of these people being rushed to the hospital with food poisoning and was trying to decide on a course of action when the guy motioned me to the counter. Expecting the worse, I was about to apologize for the mistake, but he started going on about how much better the pizza had been than normal. He and his wife both claimed that it had more of a bite and asked if we did anything different.

I worked in a pizza parlor right after high school and when a schoolmate came in that I really didn't care for I made his pizza
personally, drizzling a layer of oil from the can of anchovies
that we kept in the cooler under the pizza prep table onto the
crust before spreading the sauce. Afterward he came by the counter and told me it was the best pizza he ever had, and he wasn't being sarcastic.

TSP

quote:

Originally posted by tiki

Peachpie---i too LOVE Boboli!!! fast easy-tasty and best of all--i can cantrol the amount and quality of then toppings. They are actually my preferred pizza in this area of Oklahoma--my fall back "Default"

We had a couple of Boboli pizzas last Friday that turned out pretty decent. I bought some sun dried tomatoes for one and learned that the next time I'll probably use the whole jar of tomatoes. The pizza was sauceless. I just brushed the shell with extra virgin olive oil, arranged the tomoates, added some cheese and baked it on the pizza stone. I also brushed the bottom and sides of the shell before baking it. The other had fresh tomatoes and cheese. Both of them had a nice flavor, but like I said, the one could have used more sun dried tomatoes. Live and learn. It was the first time I tried them and I was afraid that they'd overpower the pizza. (Looking back, I'm not sure what I was thinking.)

We have just moved to Texas from Ohio and I have discovered Cici's, too. They were mostly in the Southwest for years but are opening chains in Ohio now. the magic of Cici's is sitting jnear the buffet where you can see which pizza has just come out of the oven. Only then do you dash up to the line and grab your favorite while it's only minutes old. Do the same with the garlic bread and the cinnamon rolls. I always add garlic powder, parmesan adn hot peppers to my pizza and salad.
Of course, I'm the kind that drives to Pappa John's and eats my pizza in the car.

quote:

Originally posted by Wallyum

quote:

Originally posted by tiki
Peachpie---i too LOVE Boboli!!! fast easy-tasty and best of all--i can cantrol the amount and quality of then toppings. They are actually my preferred pizza in this area of Oklahoma--my fall back "Default"

We had a couple of Boboli pizzas last Friday that turned out pretty decent. I bought some sun dried tomatoes for one and learned that the next time I'll probably use the whole jar of tomatoes. The pizza was sauceless. I just brushed the shell with extra virgin olive oil, arranged the tomoates, added some cheese and baked it on the pizza stone. I also brushed the bottom and sides of the shell before baking it.

It's a Lenten Friday so we made individual pizzas at home tonight. There were 3 of us and since the small Boboli crusts come 2 per package I tried a 3-per-pack brand called "Mama Mary's" from Spartan Foods of Spartanburg SC and am quite happy with the results. I brushed them with oil prior to applying the toppings and they cooked up nice and crisp with good flavor.

Brad

quote:

Originally posted by Bushie

Since I was a little kid, I've always liked the "Mom & Pop" places. Various reasons and long stories...

However, I'm not totally "anti-chain". Good food is good food...

I've NEVER found a national pizza chain, though, that I could recommend. As a young man, I LOVED Ken's Pizza, a regional chain out of Oklahoma. As an old man, I still stop at the one in Eufaula sometimes, because I still like the flavor.