Pizza Ranch

Went to Pizza Ranch about 3 weeks ago. Pizza is not as bad as Domino's cardboard pizza but definitely nothing special.

My grandfather (who mistakenly calls this place the Chicken Ranch) brought us here for dinner tonight.  The staff were very friendly and attentive.  

I cringed after seeing quotes about God fulfilling something or other on the main sign and a review about a 'relaxed Christian atmosphere' which around these parts sounds like code for intolerant conservative atmosphere à la Chick-fil-A.  Though I don't know where the owners do their charitable giving, it seems like the only bits of Christianity being translated into the service itself are the good ones (see above about the staff).

While my family feasted from the buffet (which looked reasonably well-tended, none of the food looked like it'd been there for too long), I ordered a small spinach, mushroom, and onion pizza.  It was the epitome of mediocre.  Neither bad nor good, the crust was crisped nicely, the tomato sauce tasted industrial, the cheese was just a bit too copious, the onions were mostly flavorless, the spinach a bit sparse, and the mushrooms, though obviously canned were all right.  

This place has friendly folks and food that will get the job done at a reasonable price.  This is the kind of place I'd go again with my grandpa, but never of my own volition.

OK, first things first. Here are some reasons for not to eating here.

It's not the worlds best pizza and it's not the best chicken you ever had. If that's what you are looking for you probably are at the wrong place.

Wait, you may be asking, "Why five stars then?"

I'm glad you asked.

First, from the time you walk in the door you are treated with courtesy and respect.

We were there at 6:30 PM on 2 Aug 2012 and Bill, a manager was at the register.  Bill was cordial and pleasant. He asked if we had any specific requests for pizza. I assume that if we had had a yen for a specific pie the would try to get one into their rotation. (As I was leaving I saw him ask two ladies if they had gotten their request filled). Nice touch. Very classy. Unexpected at a high volume low cost eatery.

Second, the food was fresh, tasty and plentiful.

Yes they keep the selections within reason. They had about six different pizzas out at all times. There is a hot bar with chicken (deep fried and BBQ), mashed potatoes, hot vegetables, gravy etc. There is also a small salad bar with the usual items. A big plus here is that they rotate / refill all the food items often ensuring that the hot food stays hot, cold food stays cold and nothing gets old.

Third, The facilities are kept clean and appealing.

You can tell a lot about a place by how it is kept. While we were there the staff cleaned the tables promptly and ensured that dirty dishes were not allowed to pile up. (Did I mention they were friendly too?) The decor is pleasant. The floors, windows, and fixtures are kept clean.

Lastly, the price is VERY reasonable.

I mention price last because I am not a completely dollar driven person. I like a good deal as much as the next guy but cheap crappy food is just that. The fact that the buffet, drinks, and everything else ran to a whopping $20.01 was great!

Fact is this place gives exceptional value and a pleasant experience for he money. Forget the reasons for not eating here. Me, I'm going to make like the line Arnold Schwarzenegger spoke in the Terminator ,  "I'll be back!"