Pizza lovers in Milton are in for an exciting treat this spring, as a popular local food truck business is about to open its first brick-and-mortar location.
Just a Pizza My Mind, a food truck business that has been delighting Pierce County residents for the past two years, is set to open a drive-thru at 1102 28th Ave. Court, the former site of Gravity Coffee. The owners, Melissa and Samuel Ranz, are aiming for a May opening, though the date remains tentative as they finalize permits and other preparations.
The new location will offer customers the convenience of ordering online for pickup or driving through for a quick meal. “It’s incredibly exciting, and it still feels like a dream,” Melissa Ranz shared in an interview with The News Tribune.
From a Cheesy Love Story to a Thriving Business
The Ranzs’ entrepreneurial journey began with what Melissa calls “a cheesy love story.” Samuel, originally from Milton, was working at a large corporate pizza chain when he met Melissa, who was looking for a job. Nervously, Samuel asked a colleague to interview her. “I remember thinking, ‘She’s so beautiful, I can’t be biased,’” Samuel recalled. The two quickly fell in love and married in April 2020. Just two months later, they decided to launch a business that “fights for the little guy” and offers employees the chance to build long-term careers.
“Pizza is an art, and we wanted to create a space where people could develop and grow within the industry,” said Melissa. The couple spent over a year working for a smaller business, learning the ropes, before selling their condominium to fund a road trip in November 2021. The road trip, which spanned several states including Florida, North Carolina, and New York, was more than just a vacation—it was a way to explore new pizza styles and get inspiration for their future business.
In March 2022, the couple purchased their first food truck, affectionately named “Jackie,” and by December of that year, they celebrated the grand opening of Just a Pizza My Mind at Puyallup’s Fierce County Cider.
Growth and Expansion
Since launching, the Ranzs have seen their business flourish. After their first year of operation, they expanded by adding a second food truck, Kitty. Now, they are leasing the new Milton location and transitioning from food trucks to a more permanent spot.
For Melissa, the decision to open a drive-thru was clear. “We’ve always wanted to have a drive-thru because it’s fast, convenient, and gives customers another option,” she explained. The Milton location, previously home to Gravity Coffee, offers the perfect setup for the Ranzs’ dream of combining speed with quality pizza.
The new location will also allow them to offer customers a fixed place to visit, rather than relying on their food trucks’ schedules. “With the trucks, we had to be selective about the events we attended due to wear and tear,” explained Samuel. “The truck’s equipment makes it tough to navigate steep hills, and repairs added up quickly.”
Innovative Menu and Customer Experience
One of the exciting aspects of the new location is its drink menu. Samuel acknowledged that there may initially be some confusion, as the location was once a coffee stand. To ease the transition, they will offer a range of drinks including cold brews, energy drinks, and “dirty sodas,” ensuring customers can grab a drink and enjoy their pizza without any delays.
The Ranzs are also known for their creative pizzas, with each month bringing a new and unique offering. Popular past creations include a Thanksgiving pizza with a turkey-gravy base, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and onion crisps, as well as a Cubano pizza inspired by Melissa’s favorite sandwich, featuring ham, pulled pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and Dijon sauce.
“Pizza dough is like bread, so why not experiment with different flavors and toppings?” Melissa said. Their seasonal Thanksgiving pizza, Samuel added, has been a particular crowd favorite.
A Bright Future for Just a Pizza My Mind
The Milton drive-thru will operate seven days a week, providing customers with a reliable spot to get their pizza fix. Online ordering will also be available, and the couple plans to keep both food trucks in operation to reach new communities. “Our goal is to keep growing, reach new people, and expand our team,” Melissa said.
As they prepare for the launch, the Ranzs are eager to bring their vision to life. With their drive-thru, innovative menu, and commitment to providing career opportunities, Just a Pizza My Mind is poised for continued success in Pierce County.
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