New Pizza place in Ames

[Mr Janny]

I agree that north Ames has plenty of holes to fill - lots of homes, not much business. A new business in that area will do great things for the existing businesses there that seem to struggle a bit. However I'm not sure about opening another pizza place in Ames, could be a bit of a flooded market already.

That being said, I wish these guys the best- love to see new stuff come in and love to have another option for dining in Ames!

Did the wine store close for sure? It looks like it's a link on the site- like they're advertising them as a fellow Summerset business?

It depends. If they can separate themselves from the rest of the flock in some way, then the Ames market will definitely support it. The Sommerset area has a lot of middle class families. Maybe they are not going for the college student market. If they were really going for that market, you'd think that West Ames or campustown is where you would want to be. They definitely have potential.

 

[illinoiscyclone]

jeffs opened last winter, around the beginning of the 2nd semester.

 

[Havs]

After Dinner & Dessert Closed, I need a new favorite pizza in Ames...

 

[LindenCy]

jeffs opened last winter, around the beginning of the 2nd semester.

Thanks. I must have missed it. I'll have to try it when I'm in town.

 

[bmuff]

you dont like their pizza? boy you must be nuttier'n a squirrel turd. i had the gyro pizza the other day, and if anything it is at least different than any other pizza youll find around here. the specialty pizzas are great (loaded baked potato, gyro, hot wing pizza, etc.) and the rest of the food is even better. the other day my buddy had some sort of lamb sandwhich was amazazing, and the wings are surprisingly good for a pizza joint (i believe the meat is injected, which is why).

that being said, you cant have enough quality pizza joints. and this will be nice being in somerset, because it is a short hop from the UV ghetto.

I don't know, for some reason their pizza doesn't do much for me. I've tried it a couple of times now and just wasn't impressed. I don't know if it is the crust or the sauce. Something doesn't work there for me. I do LOVE their smotherella sticks and their clones. Sandwiches are really good too.

For me, pizza in Ames is Great Plains #1, Geangelos a distant second and everyone else not really on the radar. I'm hoping that Black Market can challenge Geangelos on my list. I do love Chicago style. And those pics really get the mouth watering.

 

[AmesCloneFan]

It depends. If they can separate themselves from the rest of the flock in some way, then the Ames market will definitely support it. The Sommerset area has a lot of middle class families. Maybe they are not going for the college student market. If they were really going for that market, you'd think that West Ames or campustown is where you would want to be. They definitely have potential.

Agreed- looks like they'll be in a better class of establishment than the likes of Gumby's, Jeffs, Dominos, etc. GeAngelos would be the one to worry about - it's close, pizza's good, and they seem to cater to that middle market.

The thing that might save them, like I mentioned before, is the more businesses in that area the better. Right now your options if you want to go out in Sommerset are go to the Cafe, then Brewers. End of options. Now you throw this place in the mix, maybe they'll have a bar too. A few more restaurants in the area will make Sommerset a worth while destination. They've been trying to kick start this area for 5+ years, glad things are starting to move forward! :yes:

 

[josier]

From the website:

Look For Louie On Your Pizza Box. Collect 10 Louie's And Get A Free Medium Pizza Any Style. Collect 20 Louie's And Get A Free T-Shirt.

What would you rather have a t-shirt or two pizzas?

 

[bmuff]

Agreed- looks like they'll be in a better class of establishment than the likes of Gumby's, Jeffs, Dominos, etc. GeAngelos would be the one to worry about - it's close, pizza's good, and they seem to cater to that middle market.

The thing that might save them, like I mentioned before, is the more businesses in that area the better. Right now your options if you want to go out in Sommerset are go to the Cafe, then Brewers. End of options. Now you throw this place in the mix, maybe they'll have a bar too. A few more restaurants in the area will make Sommerset a worth while destination. They've been trying to kick start this area for 5+ years, glad things are starting to move forward! :yes:

Yeah, I'd be a little worried if I were Geangelos. But then they don't rely totally on pizza. North Ames is kind of a different animal because they are isolated. Campus makes it difficult to easily go to campustown or west lincoln way. And there are so many freaking stoplights and so much traffic on Grand that going anywhere on Duff or Main St is a hassle. If you want to grab a quick bite to eat, it is either the mall area or sommerset. And sommerset just has The Cafe and Brewers. I personally think that the owner of Brewers is a huge **** and refuse to go in there...and many people I know agree.

The north Ames I'm talking about is no small group of people. We're talking a bunch of subdivisions with more on the way. And a couple of these are some of the more expensive neighborhoods in town. Plus, plenty of younger people living in apartments in sommerset with new apartments going up north of Bloomington. This is a huge number of people basically stranded with no ammenities. I mean, the closest gas station is over by Cub Foods on Grand. Much of this is due to the fact that the city planners were so strict in what they would allow into their "village concept". Really, that was a monumental failure.

What I'm really saying is that there's pretty much a captive audience in north Ames. If the pizza is 1/2 as good as it looks, this place will do great.

 

[wonkadog]

I had Jeff's one time and was not impressed. Not enough cheese and too floppy also slightly burnt on top. However, we ordered half cheese and half pepperoni so maybe the speciality pizzas are better. Going to try Geangelo's for the first time this week.
And, yes those pictures look amazing...those stuffed pizzas look like they would suffice as floatation devices.

Jeff's specialties are way better than the "regular" kinds. The regular stuff is just average.

 

[Mr Janny]

Yeah, I'd be a little worried if I were Geangelos. But then they don't rely totally on pizza. North Ames is kind of a different animal because they are isolated. Campus makes it difficult to easily go to campustown or west lincoln way. And there are so many freaking stoplights and so much traffic on Grand that going anywhere on Duff or Main St is a hassle. If you want to grab a quick bite to eat, it is either the mall area or sommerset. And sommerset just has The Cafe and Brewers. I personally think that the owner of Brewers is a huge **** and refuse to go in there...and many people I know agree.

The north Ames I'm talking about is no small group of people. We're talking a bunch of subdivisions with more on the way. And a couple of these are some of the more expensive neighborhoods in town. Plus, plenty of younger people living in apartments in sommerset with new apartments going up north of Bloomington. This is a huge number of people basically stranded with no ammenities. I mean, the closest gas station is over by Cub Foods on Grand. Much of this is due to the fact that the city planners were so strict in what they would allow into their "village concept". Really, that was a monumental failure.

What I'm really saying is that there's pretty much a captive audience in north Ames. If the pizza is 1/2 as good as it looks, this place will do great.

So do you like or dislike Brewers? I couldn't tell from your post.

 

[AmesCloneFan]

Yeah, I'd be a little worried if I were Geangelos. But then they don't rely totally on pizza. North Ames is kind of a different animal because they are isolated. Campus makes it difficult to easily go to campustown or west lincoln way. And there are so many freaking stoplights and so much traffic on Grand that going anywhere on Duff or Main St is a hassle. If you want to grab a quick bite to eat, it is either the mall area or sommerset. And sommerset just has The Cafe and Brewers. I personally think that the owner of Brewers is a huge **** and refuse to go in there...and many people I know agree.

The north Ames I'm talking about is no small group of people. We're talking a bunch of subdivisions with more on the way. Plus plenty of apartments in sommerset and new ones going up north of Bloomington. This is a huge number of people basically stranded with no ammenities. I mean, the closest gas station is over by Cub Foods on Grand. Much of this is due to the fact that the city planners were so strict in what they would allow into their "village concept". Really, that was a monumental failure.

What I'm really saying is that there's pretty much a captive audience in north Ames. If the pizza is 1/2 as good as it looks, this place will do great.

No kidding. I don't know the in's and out's of city planning, but the village concept has struggled out there to say the least. They need a gas station in the worst way, but apparently the city plan won't allow it without major stipulations and design requirements. The city needs to loosen up a bit. Fareway's not going to hurt either.

 

[AmesCloneFan]

And yes, I have to agree that Brewers... well, uh, isn't the best place to go on a Saturday night. Don't know the owner so can't comment on that, but I'm surprised that place has lasted this long. Overpriced, boring, and I've only been in there once when there were more than 10 people there. I did like that they were non-smoking when they first opened, but of course that niche doesn't really apply anymore.

 

[mplscyclone]

A few things:

1) Total name rip off of Godfathers
2) The stuffed pizza looks good, but the others look like grease is the #1 ingredient
3) Since it's in "Sommerset" I guarantee it will cost more than what it's worth...

 

[SeattleClone]

That pizza looks amazing!

 

[josh777]

And yes, I have to agree that Brewers... well, uh, isn't the best place to go on a Saturday night. Don't know the owner so can't comment on that, but I'm surprised that place has lasted this long. Overpriced, boring, and I've only been in there once when there were more than 10 people there. I did like that they were non-smoking when they first opened, but of course that niche doesn't really apply anymore.

No doubt, that place sucks...boring is the appropriate word. Really blew it to what one could do up in Somerset. With the crowd that lives around that area the best bet would be a place like a martini bar with lots of corners/walls, high-walled booths, more eye candy, small stage for live acts, etc. Or, the opposite end...a full-fledge sports bar decked out in Cyclone gear.

 

[mwitt]

Never heard of Geangelos.

 

[Mr Janny]

Never heard of Geangelos.

been around for a long time. Italian restaurant north of the mall. Good pizza. I don't think they deliver, though. Nice place to go for a meal. Nice and quiet. Food is pretty good, too.

 

[Ms3r4ISU]

And yes, I have to agree that Brewers... well, uh, isn't the best place to go on a Saturday night. Don't know the owner so can't comment on that, but I'm surprised that place has lasted this long. Overpriced, boring, and I've only been in there once when there were more than 10 people there. I did like that they were non-smoking when they first opened, but of course that niche doesn't really apply anymore.

I'll definitely disagree with you on most of this, although I admit you raise some valid points as to why you don't like it. Brewer's is one of our favorite places to go, and has been since it first opened.

It all depends on what you're looking for in a place.

 

[cyco2000]

A couple of things regarding Ames' "growth":

1. The City just turned down a low impact development on the north side...again.
2. The village concept is still the preferred method of growth for the City, some council members think it is working.
3. There is a lot directly east of the new Fareway that is set aside for a convenience store (albiet with a huge number of stipulations). FYI--the building going up directly east is a new car wash.

I could go on and on, but not sure anyone would listen...or care.

 

[Mr Janny]

A couple of things regarding Ames' "growth":

1. The City just turned down a low impact development on the north side...again.
2. The village concept is still the preferred method of growth for the City, some council members think it is working.
3. There is a lot directly east of the new Fareway that is set aside for a convenience store (albiet with a huge number of stipulations). FYI--the building going up directly east is a new car wash.

I could go on and on, but not sure anyone would listen...or care.

I hear you. It has been my thought for a while now, that the biggest impediment to growth in the city of Ames, is the city of Ames. The council seems to have their fingers in their ears most of the time.