Photo by Russ Morgan
Dirt work has begun for the Pizza Ranch Restaurant on West 18th Avenue, next to the Pizza Hut.
If all goes as planned, Emporia will be home to a new pizza franchise starting in December — right next to one that opened last year.
Ground has already been broken for Pizza Ranch and construction is expected to take no longer than 120 days, according to Brad Pullman of Hastco, who is doing the building. The land sits adjacent to Pizza Hut/Wing Street at 2920 W. 18th Ave. which opened last December.
“We anticipate opening sometime this December, if everything works out,” said Rich Avery, who is responsible for bringing Pizza Ranch to Emporia.
According to the company’s Web site, Pizza Ranch started in Hull, Iowa, in 1981. It now operates restaurants in eight states in the Midwest, and is “... the largest regional pizza chain in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.” The Pizza Ranch set to open in Emporia will be the first in Kansas.
Avery already operates one Pizza Ranch franchise in his current home of Dell Rapids, S.D. Once the Emporia restaurant opens, he and his wife, Linda, plan to move to Emporia.
“We were looking to expand, and we drove through a lot of towns in Kansas, like Lawrence,” Avery said. “We liked Emporia right away. It’s a nice place, and we felt like the town and its demographics would be a good fit for the company.”
Avery doesn’t see a problem with being so close to another pizza place; in fact, he sees it as healthy competition. “We’d rather have it right next door than across town,” he said. “And we offer more than just pizza. We have chicken too, with mashed potatoes and veggies. We have an afternoon and evening buffet, along with a salad bar. And everything we offer is available for delivery — so it’s not just pizza.”
Avery also pointed out the company’s policy of community outreach.
“One of our biggest things is to work with a lot of organizations, like schools and booster clubs. We offer a lot of fundraising opportunities for these groups.”
For instance, he said, one activity the company offers is to have members of a certain group come in and work in the dining room for an afternoon or an evening. The company then donates a portion of the sales to the group.
“We also sell pizza through concession stands and we’ll donate those proceeds.”
Avery said he doesn’t yet have any particular charity activities in mind for Emporia.
“That will work itself out, it will work both ways once we get down to Emporia and learn our way around,” he said.
“In fact, I’m on my way down there right now from South Dakota. I’ll be there several days this week to try and find a place to live.”
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Posted by hogan77 (anonymous) on August 26, 2008 at 12:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
He considers mashed potatoes and chicken healthy? Perhaps if the chicken is grilled, not fried- and mashed potatoes contains loads of butter. I think that spot could have been filled with a better option, if Emporia was looking for "health" food. Try adding in a Soup Plantation and Sweet Tomatoes. It is one huge salad bar, with offerings of breads, soups, and a variety of desserts, including lower calorie options. Or perhaps a Panera Bread? They are offering sandwiches and soups, a good portion of which are lower calorie.
I love that Emporia is bringing in new business. It is exactly what is needed to give a boost to the economy and the community. I just wish that some better choices were being made. When it comes to restaurants, there are so many out there, so many choices can be made. I guess, though, that whatever business is being put in there; at least it will offer some jobs.
Maybe now that Lowe's is going in, some of the other larger food chains will see it as a good thing to put business in Emporia.
Posted by spectator (anonymous) on August 26, 2008 at 1:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Don't count your franchise eggs before they're a reality-they have to be able to pay for themselves before a company will consder opening one in the area. The owner of the Red Robin north of 6th & Wanamaker in Topeka told me it cost him $2 million by the time he purchased property, built and furnished the business, etc and was ready to open the doors. He told me that there was no way Emporia would be able to have and support a Red Robin. And this isn't something as big as Olive garden, Red Lobster, Texas Roadhouse .....I too would like to see other food chains come in but I fear it's not going to happen anytime soon.
Posted by slvrnblck (anonymous) on August 26, 2008 at 2:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Healthy competition does not imply healthy food. He meant that it would provide good competiton for all parties involved.
On a side note, I would welcome a Panera Bread with open arms. Good food, healthier choice. Although it would be similar to Amanda's bakery which is great!!
Posted by outdrsman (anonymous) on August 26, 2008 at 4:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Just what Emporia needs.. ANOTHER fast food/pizza place. Might as well put another mexican restaurant in there for good measure. Does anyone in charge of making decisions for the town have any GOOD ideas or know how to say "no thanks, we already have enough pizza places in one tiny town"?!? At least the local gyms will benefit and gain new members because of all the overweight people that we are going to have because we just serve huge portions and fatty food. but hey, SHOP EMPORIA FIRST
Posted by rdgrey (anonymous) on August 26, 2008 at 5:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree outdrsman, This is NOT what Emporia needs. We need more REAL jobs coming to town that can help families make a decent living. Whether its factory, warehouse work or someything along those lines.
Posted by emporian (anonymous) on August 26, 2008 at 5:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
So tell me how it works. Someplace says "Hey, we want a permit to build a pizza place. We will buy buying the land, putting up a 3/4 of a million dollar building, employing your citizens, and paying property taxes." Should they turn them down because you dont want another pizza place? The places you guys want dont want to be here. I am fairly certain the property taxes on a 750k building is high that that of a vacant lot.
I am pretty sure this is hard for you folks to figure out, but maybe they arent recruiting these places. They want in and think they can profit. Since when can a city start saying "No, we have too many pizza places already, but if you want to open something else go ahead." I bet they would make more in the lawsuit than they do in sales.
Manufacturing, etc is not coming to Emporia.
Posted by smith_ron (anonymous) on August 26, 2008 at 5:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Two questions:
1. Why can't we get a good Italian restaurant?
2. Why did it take the Gazette so long to give us this story? They've been working on the site for a couple of weeks at least.
Posted by Observation (anonymous) on August 26, 2008 at 6:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Actually I reported the Pizza Ranch yesterday in the Gazette. There was an article about Lowes coming to town. I commented that I wasn't any more surprised about Lowes setting up business so close to Sutherland, than I was about Pizza Ranch moving in next door to the new Pizza Hut. smith_ron you have to read the whole Gazette to get all the news.
Posted by LifeGoesOn (anonymous) on August 26, 2008 at 7:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Here we go AGAIN, another new business and out come the whiners! At this point I dont think it matters what new business comes to town, the people on these forums are going to piss and moan about it. It's no freaking wonder some businesses dont want to come here, they are always made to feel Sooo welcome! For gods sake people if you dont want pizza, DONT GO! otherwise shut your pie holes and stop acting like babies because you are not getting everything you want!
Posted by socialmancan (anonymous) on August 26, 2008 at 8:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
(^_^) Haha!!! I totally agree with "LifeGoesOn"!!!
Posted by bobhornet (anonymous) on August 26, 2008 at 9:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
8 to 5 this thing is gone within two years.
Posted by truelovecharlie (anonymous) on August 26, 2008 at 9:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Red Robin????????? It is a very overpriced hamburger joint. I ate at the one in KC, out of curiosity and found it good and intriguing. However; who can $12-$15 per person for a hamburger meal?
Posted by smith_ron (anonymous) on August 26, 2008 at 9:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Actually, I saw the Pizza Ranch mention in the Lowes story on Monday. I searched the Gazette and did not find any other mention of it. I was not sure if it was a real restaurant or ramblings ( a lot of us, me included, do that on these forums).
Posted by glarson (Gwen Larson) on August 27, 2008 at 7:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We, too, had heard the Pizza Ranch name weeks ago. But, without confirmation, we cannot print it.
Our reporter played phone tag for at least a week with officials at Pizza Ranch. Sometimes that's how it goes. Many companies — especially smaller ones — designate one person to talk to media. If that person has other obligations, including travel, it's often hard to connect.
Gwen Larson
Managing Editor
Posted by 4Jayhawks (anonymous) on August 27, 2008 at 8:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have eaten at Red Robin many times and never paid $12 for a hamburger meal. It does cost more than Burger King and McDs. but you have to remember you get what you pay for. Don't think we will ever see one here though. Would be great to have a Panera Bread. As far as pizza, only Pizza Hut for me.
Posted by create (anonymous) on August 27, 2008 at 9:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It is sad to see the Popeye's building all boarded up. I wonder what happened to them? It seemed real popular at first. Suddenly, it was gone. Now we have one more empty building. Folks may say they didn't like their chicken, or that it was too expensive, or too hot, or too crappy, or too fatty, or too whatever the hell, but it all boils down to another empty building.
It's nice when places want to come to Emporia to set up shop, but when they don't make it, we get stuck with empty buildings. Empty buildings don't pay property taxes.
Posted by Observation (anonymous) on August 27, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Gwen, I sure do appreciate your explanation. I know well how phone tag works. It is often not fun, at all. I am surprised that your reporter was satisfied with the phone tag struggle for that long. Seems like a short trip to the building site from the comfort of the Gazette Office. Heck, the court house is even closer than the site. I sure hope there was a proper building permit issued for the project. It is easy for us "ramblers" to second guess your efforts. Keep up the good work.
Being a lover of pizza, I am pleased to see another pizza spot come to Emporia.
smith_ron: It is an Italian Restaurant too. Pizza is Italian! Your wish on that is coming to past.
Posted by nutsaboutools (anonymous) on August 27, 2008 at 11:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The more businesses that come to Emporia (regardless of how small) the better. They will raise revenue that we need to begin attracting the larger businesses (providing incentives) and thus more good paying jobs. I too would love to see an Italian/Italian-American restaurant. It looks like we're beginning to head in the right direction. It does take time, however.
Posted by LifeGoesOn (anonymous) on August 27, 2008 at 1:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
create, "but it all boils down to another empty building."? That building was there before popeyes was there, Sitting Empty.
. And KFC is still open in a New Building, so the way I see it is, KFC is paying more property tax now then it was in the old building and now it looks as if Emporia has a new refurbished building for another business to go in to. I also see it as, popeyes gave Emporia a chance, came in, spent a bunch of money fixing up an older building and in the end could not make it. Oh well, at least they tried and gave it a good faith effort. Seems all you want to do is look at the down side of this situation, there are good things that came of it too. And by the way, someone is still paying property tax on the building, it's property and it's taxed, so that makes Two building we are getting property tax on, the new KFC and the old KFC building that awaits a business. I think that totals up to More property tax than we got before doesn't it?
I just dont get why some people always have to see the worst of every situation when it comes to Emporia.
Posted by Observation (anonymous) on August 27, 2008 at 4:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
create: If there is an empty building that is not paying property taxes, it is only short term. If the owner just simply cannot pay the taxes and lets the property be sold for the taxes due, an opporunity then exists for someone to get a building for a great price and start up a new business. There is nothing wrong with property changing hands in that manner. The taxes will get paid!
Posted by create (anonymous) on August 27, 2008 at 4:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Some people? If you're going to attack me, go for it, don't say "some people." It makes you look weak.
Yes, I'll give in to your argument about the building earning one property tax through Popeye's and now KFC pays property tax as well. Good. But, it doesn't negate the fact that we still have an empty building with boarded up windows and it doesn't look good at all, especially on a main thoroughfare.
Posted by sadinemporia (anonymous) on August 27, 2008 at 4:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why didn't the pizza place go in where Popeye's was? Wouldn't that have made sense economically speaking? Maybe not. It would have been nice to have a pizza buffet for lunch a little closer to the downtown besides Wheat State.
Posted by LifeGoesOn (anonymous) on August 27, 2008 at 7:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
CREATE, I began my post with YOU USER NAME maybe its your eye sight thats "weak." I also was not argueing that fact that the building does not look good, what post were you reading?
You said it does not pay tax, I said it does and I said in Fact there are now two buildings paying taxes.
Lastly,would you have be happier if I had said " some people and create" Dont be so vain to think I was referring only about you.
Posted by Observation (anonymous) on August 27, 2008 at 9:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
sadinemporia:
Say that is a good idea. Now there is an opportunity for someone to put in a nice pizza place in the old Popeyes building. I know you and I would frequent it often anyway, wouldn't we? I think pizza will make a go of it where chicken fails, anytime, any where. Check out the Pizza Ranch web site for a little insight into those folks. They sound good. I can't hardly wait. They have chicken too for those of you missing Popeyes.
Posted by emporian (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 1:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sometimes it is cheaper to build a new building than renovate an existing one to make it what you want. They also wouldn't get the interstate traffic sitting there on 6th ave.
Posted by Weltha (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 9:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I said this about the Lowe's and the K-Mart. They are building a new building for a business. Why not the old Pizza Hut on 6th building?
Posted by Weltha (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 10:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I had better clarify my last comment. Like I said on the Lowe's forum. Why can't they make use of the old K-Mart property instead of anexing new property. Why build a new pizza place right next door to a pizza place instead of trying to purchase the old pizza hut building on 6th? It would fill an empty building, I would think save money and you could stay in the middle of town to eat pizza instead of going to either end when you work in the middle. Make any sense? I do understand the concept of getting tax $$ for 2 buildings instead of 1, but... It sure looks better to passer throughs and heck Emporia citizens also, when building aren't setting empty and boarded up. My opinion.
Create- I would just ignore lifegoeson they seem hell bent on causing trouble and complaining about people being negative and whinny all the while doing the same thing. Go figure. I will say the yare making these other wise boring forums interesting to say the least.
Posted by create (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 11:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks Weltha. Never a dull moment on these forums, and I might add that many more people are tuning in so to speak. The Gazette is going to have to figure out a way to get a few advertisements higher up on the page.
Posted by netloafer (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 11:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Create
It appears that you inherited the bullseye on the back of your shirt last night. I'll say a few drive along prayers for you today. They seemed to work for M. I think they'll work for you too.
Keep pluggin.'
Posted by create (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 1:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks, Netloafer. Oh well, as Hamlet says, "But break, my heart, for I must hold my tongue." (and stop pouring fuel on the fire.) ;)
Now we need to pray for an Italian restaurant.
Posted by netloafer (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 1:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Create
I understand!
A good Italian restaurant would be wonderful, preferably somthing home grown.
Posted by Weltha (anonymous) on September 1, 2008 at 4:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A Joe's Crab Shack would be wanderful if the town could support one. The only sea food place (if you call it that) is Long John Silvers. yuck
Posted by LifeGoesOn (anonymous) on September 1, 2008 at 5:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Joes Crab Shack is a pretty good place to eat, We stopped at one in Louisville, KY just a few weeks ago while visiting family, If ya can ever make it , try the mussels marinara!
I do have to say, I never grow tried of a Good Pizza, so I hope this place opens soon.
Posted by UsayULoveGod (anonymous) on September 1, 2008 at 11:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I ate at a Joe crab shack in Mrytle Beach, I still dream of it !!
Posted by Weltha (anonymous) on September 2, 2008 at 3:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have been to both of them in the K.C. area. They were both great. Coconut shrimp and strip steak on the same plate. YUM! Darn! I'm getting hungry. I like pizza don't get me wrong but I would also enjoy a bigger variety w/o having to drive 45 minutes (Topeka) or an hour + (Wichita or the K.C. area) to get it. By the time I buy the gas I almost can't afford the meal. I say this risking someone saying I'm complaining or being to picky I'm sure. Just my opinion. .02 ?
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