Cicis Pizza

Last updated

CiCis Pizza
Company type Private
IndustryRestaurants
Founded1985;39 years ago (1985)
Plano, Texas, United States
FoundersJoe Croce
Mike Cole
Headquarters Coppell, Texas
Number of locations
277 (2024) [1]
Key people
Jeff Hetsel (CEO)
Products Pizza, salad, pasta
Parent CiCi Enterprises Inc.
Website www.cicis.com OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg

Cicis Pizza, formerly known as CiCi's Pizza and Cicis, is an American chain of buffet restaurants based in Coppell, Texas, [2] specializing in pizza. The company was founded in 1985, and started franchising by 1987. [3] In November 2015, the company began a new marketing campaign which included the renaming of the company to Cicis (by dropping the apostrophe, making the second 'C' lowercase and dropping the word ‘pizza’ from its name), along with the addition of a new logo and redesigned website.

Contents

History

A CiCi's Pizza restaurant in Brooklyn, Ohio in February 2013. This location closed in 2020. CiCi's Brooklyn.JPG
A CiCi's Pizza restaurant in Brooklyn, Ohio in February 2013. This location closed in 2020.
2015 to 2020 logo, when the "Pizza" was omitted from the name. Logo of Cicis Pizza (2015-2020).png
2015 to 2020 logo, when the "Pizza" was omitted from the name.

CiCi's was founded in 1985 by Joe Croce and Mike Cole in Plano, Texas. [4] [5] In 2001, with 363 restaurants at the time, the chain expanded its buffet offerings and began remodeling restaurants. [5] Four years later, CiCi's had more than 500 locations, and was the fastest-growing pizza chain in the United States. [6]

In 2003, Croce retired from the business, and passed ownership of the company to the company's executive team. Craig Moore, who was a general manager in Dallas, became vice president of the company, a position he held for five years before he was named president after the sale. Croce gave 20% of his proceeds to Gateway Church, where he was a member. [7] As president of the chain, Moore oversaw the company's operations and franchise growth. [8] Moore announced his retirement in 2009, after 17 years with the company. [8] [9]

CiCi's macaroni and cheese pizza Macaroni and cheese pizza.jpg
CiCi's macaroni and cheese pizza

Michael Shumsky, previously CEO of La Madeleine Restaurant, Inc. took over for Moore. [8] [9] Shumsky retired in August 2013 and Darin Harris took over as CEO of the company. [10] Harris left the company in January 2018 and was replaced by Bill Mitchell as interim CEO. [11] Mitchell was appointed to the position permanently in March 2018. [11]

In addition to its current restaurants, in 2010 CiCi's announced plans to add another 500 restaurants in the next 10 years (with the possibility of expanding internationally into Canada and Mexico). CiCi's has won numerous awards and has also been named one of the top 25 performing brands by The Wall Street Journal and a top 200 franchise concept by Franchise Today. The award for worst restaurant ideas has also been awarded to the pizza chain. [12]

Cicis pizza comes with traditional varieties such as pepperoni, meat-lovers, veggie, supreme and Hawaiian, but also has specialty pizzas such as macaroni and cheese, barbeque pork and Buffalo chicken. In 2022, the chain even offered a giant 28 inch pizza called "Piezilla". [13]

In November 2015, the company began a new marketing campaign which included the simplified renaming of the company to just Cicis with the modifier "Beyond Pizza," along with the addition of a new logo and redesigned website. The campaign is aimed at proving that Cicis has more to offer than just pizza. [14]

Cicis offers many additional items including chicken wings, pasta, salads and soups, and desserts are abundant with dessert pizzas, cinnamon buns and fudge brownies.

Cicis filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2021 due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic; it had not benefitted from delivery due to its buffet model. It had recently reached an agreement to sell itself as well as its $82 million in liabilities to its primary lender, D&G Investors. [15] [16] Just two months after filing, Cicis emerged from bankruptcy and completed its sale. [17]

Recognition and awards

From 2004 to 2009, CiCi's Pizza held third place in the pizza category for Restaurants & Institutions ' "Consumers' Choice in Chains" contest, which is judged based on consumer reviews of the competing restaurant chains. [18] In March 2009 Men's Health gave CiCi's Pizza "top marks" in providing healthy food choices among its list of "66 major chain restaurants". [19]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pizza Hut</span> American multinational restaurant chain

Pizza Hut, LLC is an American multinational pizza restaurant chain and international franchise founded in 1958 in Wichita, Kansas by Dan and Frank Carney. The chain, headquartered in Plano, Texas, operates 19,866 restaurants worldwide as of 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Domino's</span> American multinational pizza restaurant chain

Domino's Pizza, Inc., commonly referred to as Domino's, is an American multinational pizza restaurant chain founded in 1960. and led by CEO Russell Weiner. The corporation is Delaware-domiciled and headquartered at the Domino's Farms Office Park in Ann Arbor Township, near Ann Arbor, Michigan. As of 2018, Domino's had approximately 15,000 stores, with 5,649 in the United States, 1,500 in India, and 1,249 in the United Kingdom. Domino's has stores in over 83 countries and 5,701 cities worldwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Round Table Pizza</span> American Pizzas Parlor Chain

Round Table Pizza is a chain and franchise of pizza parlours in the Western United States. The first Round Table Pizza restaurant was opened in 1959, and the company has over 400 restaurants. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Uno Pizzeria & Grill</span> American pizza restaurant chain - the Birthplace of Chicago deep dish pizza

Uno Pizzeria & Grill, or more informally as Uno’s, is a United States-origin franchised pizzeria restaurant chain under the parent company Uno Restaurant Holdings Corporation. Uno Pizzeria and Grill is best known for its Chicago-style deep dish pizza. Ike Sewell opened the first Pizzeria Uno in 1940.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Godfather's Pizza</span> American restaurant chain

Godfather's Pizza is an American privately owned restaurant chain headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, that operates fast casual Italian franchises and pizza express locations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sbarro</span> American pizzeria chain

Sbarro, LLC is an American fast food restaurant that specializes in New York–style pizza sold by the slice and other Italian-American cuisine. In 2011, the company was ranked 15th in foreign sales among U.S.-based quick-serve and fast-casual companies by QSR Magazine. In 2008, Sbarro was rated the No. 1 Quick Service Restaurant in the Italian segment by Entrepreneur magazine. However, diners and critics have criticized the quality of the food, with some suggesting a link between food quality and the company's two bankruptcies. Sbarro has over 600 locations in 28 countries. Sbarro stores are located in shopping malls, airports, service areas, and college campuses, as well as in The Pentagon, American naval bases, and casinos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Corner Bakery Cafe</span> American chain of cafes

CBC Restaurant Corporation, doing business as Corner Bakery Cafe is an American chain of cafes that specialize in pastries, breads, breakfast dishes, gourmet sandwiches, homemade soups, salads, and pasta. Corner Bakery Cafe is considered to be a part of the fast casual market segment of the food service industry, offering a somewhat higher quality of food and atmosphere than a typical fast food restaurant, and offering limited table service.

Mr. Pizza Inc. (Korean: 미스터피자) is a South Korean pizza chain established in 1990. It is the top pizza brand in Korea in terms of the number of franchisees and sales.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mr. Gatti's Pizza</span> US pizzeria chain

Mr. Gatti's Pizza, formerly known as Gatti's Pizza and commonly shortened as Gatti's, is a Southern and Southeastern United States pizza-buffet chain. The corporate offices are in Fort Worth, Texas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">America's Incredible Pizza Company</span> Pizza franchise

America's Incredible Pizza Company (AIPC) is an American restaurant chain based in Springfield, Missouri. The restaurants are pizza buffets and entertainment centers. The first restaurant opened in Springfield in 2002. The company has 1,200 employees, and a revenue of $64.1 million.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marco's Pizza</span> American pizza restaurant chain

Marco's Pizza, operated by Marco's Franchising, LLC, is an American restaurant chain and interstate franchise based in Toledo, Ohio, that specializes in Italian-American cuisine. The first store was opened in Oregon, Ohio, on Starr Avenue. It was founded by Italian immigrant Pasquale "Pat" Giammarco on February 18, 1978.

Souper Salad is an American restaurant chain based in Dallas, Texas. It is an all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant serving fresh salads, made-from-scratch soups, homemade breads, and more. All locations are in the Southwestern United States, with the majority located in Texas. The chain is privately owned and has been in operation since 1978. As of October 2022, the chain had 3 locations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mountain Mike's Pizza</span> Pizzeria chain in the United States

Mountain Mike's Pizza is a chain of franchise pizzerias mainly along the West Coast of the United States, primarily in Northern California. They have additional locations in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Texas and Idaho. The restaurants offer other items, such as chicken wings, garlic sticks, dessert pizzas, as well as a lunch buffet and salad bar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pie Five</span> American restaurant chain

Pie Five Pizza is an American fast casual restaurant chain specializing in personal pizza. The brand is owned by Rave Restaurant Group, which also owns Pizza Inn. As of July 2021, Pie Five operates 33 restaurants with locations in the following states: Arkansas, California, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Texas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Uncle Maddio's Pizza Joint</span> American restaurant chain

Uncle Maddio's Pizza Joint is a fast casual restaurant chain serving pizzas, salads and sandwiches with its headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pizza Factory</span> Chain of pizza restaurants

Pizza Factory Inc. is a chain of pizza restaurants in the western United States, based in Oakhurst, California. The company began in 1979, when Danny Wheeler and his wife Carol opened Danny's Red Devil Pizza in Oakhurst. Ron Willey and his wife Joyce subsequently opened a second location in 1981, known as Pizza Factory.

The presence of pizza restaurant chains has contributed to a significant increase in pizza consumption in Mainland China and Hong Kong. This also had an effect of introducing cheese as a culinary ingredient and everyday food in China, which was relatively uncommon in Chinese cuisine prior to the emergence of pizza chains. Pizza Hut opened its first store in China in 1990, and several pizza restaurant chains exist in China today.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Inspire Brands</span> American restaurant company

Inspire Brands LLC is an American fast-food restaurant franchise company. Owned by Roark Capital Group, it owns the Arby's, Buffalo Wild Wings, Sonic Drive-In, Jimmy John's, Mister Donut, Dunkin' Donuts, and Baskin-Robbins chains, which have a combined 31,700 locations and US$30 billion in system sales.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rusty Taco</span> American fast food chain

Rusty Taco is an American-based chain of fast food restaurants originating in Dallas, Texas in 2010, by founders Rusty Fenton and his wife, Denise Fenton. Rusty Taco is a subsidiary of Gala Capital Partners. As of 2022, there are 37 restaurants in nine states.

References

  1. ↑ "Pizza Near Me – Find a Cicis Pizza Location". www.cicis.com. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
  2. ↑ Revitalized Cicis Steps up New Restaurant Openings Archived January 8, 2018, at the Wayback Machine ." Cicis Pizza. Retrieved February 11, 2016.
  3. ↑ "Cicis Franchise Information". Entrepreneur. Retrieved April 8, 2020.
  4. ↑ Voorhis, Dan (July 6, 2002). "Fast Growing Dallas Pizza Chain to Open Store in Wichita, Kan". The Wichita Eagle . Retrieved September 20, 2009.
  5. 1 2 Quinn, Steve (October 5, 2001). "Locally based pizza chain is pursuing growth Cici's launches a new look and expands its trademark buffet". Dallas News. Retrieved September 20, 2009.
  6. ↑ Shlachter, Barry (July 5, 2005). "CiCi's budget buffets propel company to fastest-growing pizza chain". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Retrieved September 20, 2009.
  7. ↑ CiCi's Pizza founder insisted sale be an inside deal Archived October 29, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
  8. 1 2 3 "President of CiCi's Pizza Set to Retire". QSR magazine. August 24, 2009. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  9. 1 2 "CiCi's Moore Retires - Franchise Times - October 2009 - FranchiseTimes.com". www.franchisetimes.com. October 2009. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  10. ↑ Abril, Danielle (July 24, 2013). "CiCi's Pizza hires Darin Harris as new CEO". www.bizjournals.com. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  11. 1 2 Romeo, Peter (May 8, 2018). "Cicis reveals it has a new CEO: Bill Mitchell". Restaurant Business. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  12. ↑ Zigu. "Rank 8 Cici's Pizza : Top 10 Pizza Restaurants in the World 2015". MBA Skool-Study.Learn.Share. Archived from the original on July 6, 2017. Retrieved April 29, 2020.
  13. ↑ Cameron, Meghan (2022). "Cici's New Massive "Piezilla" is a $65 Pizza".
  14. ↑ "Cicis debuts new branding". Nation's Restaurant News. November 4, 2015. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
  15. ↑ Valinsky, Jordan (January 26, 2021). "Pizza buffet chain Cici's files for bankruptcy". CNN. WarnerMedia. Retrieved January 26, 2021.
  16. ↑ "CASE SUMMARY: CiCi's Pizza Buffet Restaurant Chain RSA Provides for Conversion of Prepetition Lender D&G's Debt into New Equity".
  17. ↑ Maze, Jonathan (March 16, 2021). "Cicis Pizza quickly emerges from bankruptcy with new owners". www.restaurantbusinessonline.com. Retrieved December 30, 2022.
  18. ↑ "Consumers' Choice in Chains Winners, 2004–2009". Restaurants & Institutions. Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. 2009. Archived from the original on December 8, 2009.
  19. ↑ "CiCi's Pizza Scores Top Marks on Men's Health 'Eat This, Not That!' Report Card" (Press release). Coppell, Texas. PRNewswire. March 26, 2009. Archived from the original on May 3, 2009. Retrieved April 7, 2015.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.