Buffet-style Pizza Ranch opens to big crowds in Waukesha

WAUKESHA - You've probably seen the TV ads, and now you can see what it is all about at Pizza Ranch.

The 13-state regional chain has found a home in a developing commercial area along Fleetfoot Drive off Les Paul Parkway in Waukesha, opening its doors officially on Monday, Sept. 10 — and not apparently to everyone's surprise.

"They were lined up outside the doors before we opened," said Tricia Talpes, a corporate representative of the Iowa-based buffet-style restaurant.

And it was a busy first day, added Linda Peschel, the store's general manager, who hadn't even had time to count how many employees the site had on duty on opening day to handle the crowds.

For those who haven't seen the ads — prominent on Milwaukee Brewers' broadcasts on Fox Sports Wisconsin this season — featuring Brewers announcer Craig Coshun, here's the lowdown.

Pizza Ranch is a half pizzeria, half fried-chicken eatery. Yes, like anywhere else, pizza can be ordered for delivery or carryout, but diners can sit down and eat in, filling their plates from the buffet that stretches almost fully across the front of the restaurant.

Half the buffet features chicken, mashed potatoes and vegetables, while the other half consists of at least a half-dozen varieties of pizza. A separate area features two varieties of hot soup.

Seating isn't a problem, either — or at least shouldn't be once guests stop lining outside the doors. The main dining area is filled with tables with varied seating stretching front to back in the oblong restaurant. It also has two 26- and 16-seat community rooms which can be combined for a 42-seat private dining area.

For now, Talpes and Peschel said the restaurant, which held a soft opening five days earlier, is trying to keep pace with the rush.

"For the first three or four weeks, we have to have extra staff on hand," said Talpes, who is serving on the "opening team" during that initial phase. "Could you imagine the opening week without all that help?"

Pizza Ranch takes its place along a stretch of road that only a decade ago was largely an open field.

The restaurant is visible from Highway 59/164 next to Kwik Trip just south of Racine Avenue. In addition to Kwik Trip, that area of Fleetfloot Drive also consists of a Waukesha State Bank branch, across from older commercial properties at the intersection of Racine Avenue and Les Paul Parkway.