Texas-Born Brand Remains Nation’s Iconic All-You-Can-Eat Buffet with Unmatched Variety and Guest-First Approach
Cicis Pizza, the brand that pioneered the all-you-can-eat pizza buffet, is celebrating 40 incredible years of providing friends and families with its signature combination of variety, value and fun. Since opening its doors in 1985 in Plano, Texas, Cicis has evolved from a local staple into a national icon with more than 270 locations across 23 states–all while staying true to the guest experience that made it a household name. Since then, it has been a place where core memories are made—from post-game team celebrations to birthday parties to first dates and family dinners, all creating lasting moments with loved ones.
“Cicis introduced something entirely new—built on the simple idea that quality affordable food should bring people together, and for 40 years, we’ve had the privilege of doing just that. In 1985, no one else was offering a $2.99 all-you-can-eat pizza buffet, and what’s faster than a buffet? Nothing,” said Jeff Hetsel, president of Cicis Pizza. “From families gathering around the buffet to kids running to the game room with their friends, it’s remarkable to see how the brand has grown while staying true to the value and hospitality our guests have always loved.”
Hetsel, a Texas native, has been with the brand for more than 30 years, working his way up from a general manager position in 1992 to president. Proving that the concept had staying power, he played a key role in expanding Cicis beyond its Texas roots, helping to open 12 locations and leading initiatives that strengthened franchise operations, real estate development, and brand consistency. His leadership has been instrumental in solidifying Cicis ability to withstand the test of time, proving that great pizza, great value and great memories never go out of style, even in the face of industry challenges.
“As someone who started on the ground level and worked my way through nearly every facet of this business, I can say firsthand that North Texas gave Cicis its home, and it shaped the way we grew, building the foundation for what Cicis is today,” Hetsel added. “To last 40 years in this industry takes passion, resilience, and a deep connection to the guests we serve. We have several owners and operators that have been a part of Cicis for just as long if not longer than me, and we couldn’t have done it without them. Trends and concepts have come and gone, but the need for a place where families can enjoy great food at a great price has never changed.”
Recent co-branded menu collaborations like the buzzworthy Chicken & Eggo® Waffles Pizza and indulgent OREO® Brownie Pizza, prove that even a 40-year buffet concept can tap into industry trends while preserving the original classics it was founded upon. By staying committed to affordability and variety, Cicis continues to attract fans who grew up with the brand and new generations of families seeking an unbeatable value dining experience. As it looks ahead, Cicis proves that its legacy is only growing stronger, with more ground-breaking developments on the horizon.
To celebrate Cicis 40th birthday, stay tuned for new menu items, special promotions, and brand activations that tap into the nostalgia of the 1980s, the decade where it all began.
