New pizza franchise opens

Published 8:34 pm Monday, December 5, 2005

VALDOSTA — CiCi’s Pizza, a buffet restaurant, has recently opened for business in the Promenade Plaza on Norman Drive.

The nationally franchised restaurant is locally owned by Gardners Interests LLC, and is one of more than 400 locations in the United States.

Owner Steve Gardner said he selected the location by Colonial Mall because it is ideally suited for his business. “I wanted to be near the highway and in a central location in the city. There is also great traffic flow through there,” he said.

Gardner said he has been working for the chain in other locations for more than four years to learn the business before moving to Valdosta in July to open his own CiCi’s.

The restaurant was under construction for two months before officially opening the end of November, and will be holding a grand opening celebration on Jan. 7. The restaurant currently has 65 employees, both full and part time.

CiCi’s is known for its all-you-can-eat pizza buffet, featuring 16 varieties of pizza, pasta, salad and dessert for $3.99.

“If the customer wants a different variety of pizza than we currently have out, we also make special orders,” said assistant manager Bridget Hampton. Take-out is available, but delivery is not.

CiCi’s Pizza is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.



To contact reporter Kay Harris, please call 244-3400, ext. 280.