By Ben Rodgers
Editor
ASHWAUBENON – Pizza Ranch has a new location in Ashwaubenon and the restaurant does more than serve pizza and chicken.
Located at 820 Willard Drive, Pizza Ranch also offers groups and organizations a chance to help themselves with Community Impact Nights.
“These people need things for mission trips and stuff like that,” said Travis Topel, co-general manager. “It’s something I believe in.”
Churches, high school sports teams and other organizations can apply and are given a Monday night where they help run the restaurant.
In turn, they get to keep all of the tips, as well as a share of that night’s profits. This is part of the company’s vision to positively impact the community.
Duties include taking dishes, greeting customers, taking orders, wiping tables and other small tasks.
As general manager, Topel himself learned those jobs and climbed the ranks before landing in his role.
The 2007 Green Bay West graduate served in the Navy. When he returned and was going to school, he picked up a job working the register at a Pizza Ranch.
Now he helps run the show along with the other co-general manager, Maryah Roeder.
Topel said there are stories like his at Pizza Ranches across the country.
“I worked my way up the management ladder, learned things and it’s something you fall in love with, the business and the people,” he said.
The Ashwaubenon location is owned by Todd and Lori Henschel, who also own the Pizza Ranch on Main Street on Green Bay’ east side.
“They’ve been plugging away for years at trying to find a location on the west side and people have been praying for one,” Topel said. “Now we have one. You have got to trust the process.”
While the pizza and chicken buffet receives praise from diners, Topel said the restaurant has a unique culture geared toward every patron.
“If it’s something we can do and make happen for you and give you that legendary experience, it’s something we will do,” he said.
That means when customers enter, they are asked if they would like any special pizza made. Once out of the oven, they get first dibs at the special pie, with the leftovers going to the buffet line to eliminate waste.
If someone only likes a certain type of chicken piece, he or she is able to request and eat just that.
The same goes for everything from breakfast pizzas to special appetizers and desserts.
Pizza Ranch also has a full menu, does take-out or delivery and caters as well.
“If you are having a birthday party and don’t want to go to Pizza Ranch, we can bring Pizza Ranch to you,” Topel said.
But the new Ashwaubenon location is more than equipped to handle parties with a game room complete with prizes for children.
Topel said everything combines for a higher purpose and good pizza.
“Doing that is something as simple as getting their favorite pizza right and serving them good dinners,” he said.
For more information, including featured specials, find Pizza Ranch Ashwaubenon on Facebook.
For a menu and full catering options, visit pizzaranch.com,