Our Story

Crafted With Passion,
Served With Pride

From a single kitchen in Orange City to a beloved American institution — four decades of bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and community spirit.

Pizza Ranch kitchen with fresh ingredients
40+
Years of Excellence
Our Beginning

Where Every Pizza Tells a Story

Pizza Ranch was born in 1984 when founder Harold Vander Berg opened a small pizzeria in Orange City, Iowa with a simple belief: great pizza brings people together. Using his grandmother's dough recipe and the freshest local ingredients, Harold handcrafted every pie with heart.

What started as a neighborhood staple quickly grew into something greater — a community gathering place. Today, Pizza Ranch serves millions of guests across the United States, always staying true to the values Harold instilled from day one: quality, community, and genuine hospitality.

Every pizza we make is still crafted the old-fashioned way — hand-tossed, fresh-topped, and baked to golden perfection. We source local produce, partner with family-run dairy farms, and never compromise on flavor.

Fresh Ingredients Locally sourced produce every day
Hand-Tossed Dough Made fresh, never frozen
Community Focus Giving back since 1984
Family Recipes Tradition in every bite
200+
Locations
40+
Years in Business
5M+
Happy Guests
4.8
Average Rating
Why We Do It

Our Mission & Vision

Guided by purpose, driven by flavor — everything we do is rooted in these three pillars.

Our Mission

To create exceptional dining experiences by crafting authentic, hand-tossed pizzas with the freshest ingredients, served in a warm and welcoming environment that brings families and communities together.

Our Vision

To be America's most-loved pizza brand — a place where every guest feels at home, every meal feels special, and every community grows stronger through shared meals and genuine connection.

Our Promise

We promise to never cut corners on quality, to always put our guests and team first, and to honor the traditions that have made Pizza Ranch a trusted name for over four decades.

Our Journey

A Legacy Built Over Decades

From a single location in Iowa to a nationwide phenomenon — here are the milestones that shaped us.

1984

The First Slice

Harold Vander Berg opens the original Pizza Ranch in Orange City, Iowa — a modest 800 sq ft space serving hand-tossed pizza to the local community.

1992

Franchise Expansion Begins

Pizza Ranch launches its franchise program, opening 12 new locations across Iowa and Minnesota, driven by overwhelming customer demand.

2000

The Buffet Revolution

We introduced the legendary Pizza Ranch Buffet — fresh pizzas, crispy chicken, and homemade sides served continuously throughout the day.

2008

Community Giving Programs

We launched our Community Fundraiser Program, donating over $5 million to local schools, churches, and charities across our locations.

2015

100 Locations Milestone

Pizza Ranch celebrates the opening of its 100th location, cementing its place as a beloved Midwest dining institution.

2024

40 Years Strong

Pizza Ranch celebrates 40 years of serving handcrafted pizza with 200+ locations nationwide, a thriving online ordering platform, and millions of loyal fans.

What We Stand For

Our Core Values

These values guide every decision we make — from how we source ingredients to how we serve our guests.

Genuine Hospitality

Every guest is welcomed like family. We believe dining should be warm, comfortable, and memorable from first bite to last.

Uncompromising Quality

We use only the finest ingredients — fresh-milled flour, vine-ripened tomatoes, and premium cheeses — because you deserve nothing less.

Community First

We're more than a restaurant. We're a community hub — supporting local causes, employing local people, and investing in neighborhoods.

Sustainable Practices

We're committed to responsible sourcing, reducing food waste, and building a more sustainable future — for our planet and our communities.

The People Behind the Pizza

Meet Our Leadership Team

Passionate, experienced, and deeply committed — our leaders bring decades of culinary and business expertise to every table.

Marcus Vander Berg
Chief Executive Officer

Son of founder Harold, Marcus has grown the brand with the same community-first philosophy while scaling operations nationwide for over 20 years.

Chef Elena Romero
Executive Head Chef

With training from the Culinary Institute of America and 15 years in fine dining, Elena brings artistry and precision to every recipe she develops for our menu.

David Kim
Director of Operations

David ensures every Pizza Ranch location delivers a consistent, outstanding experience. His systems-thinking approach has streamlined operations across 200+ locations.

Sarah Mitchell
Community Relations Director

Sarah leads Pizza Ranch's community giving programs, having coordinated over $10M in donations to schools, churches, and charities across the US.

Taste the Tradition

Ready to Experience Pizza Ranch?

Join millions of satisfied guests who have made Pizza Ranch part of their family traditions. Order now or visit us today.