ORANGE CITY – Pizza Ranch Inc. awarded the team at the Rock Valley, IA Pizza Ranch with the outstanding Team of the Year Award at the company’s 2022 Awards Banquet held at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells, WI.

The award honors and recognizes the hard work, commitment, and dedication of the best Pizza Ranch team across the entire system for the year. Each member of the team received a Scheels gift card worth $150.

“When my wife Heidi and I took over the Rock Valley Pizza Ranch in 2019, we were expecting some difficult times ahead, but we could not foresee the loss of family members, deep spiritual attacks, or the incoming pandemic of Covid-19,” said owner Clint Wolthuizen at the Awards Banquet on June 14. “There were more than a few moments of questioning why we decided to a leave a secure and structured work/personal life for the chaos that came with the purchase and transition. God was the target of many of our questions and doubts, but He showed Himself in big ways – miraculous ways.”

Wolthuizen noted three women from his day crew, affectionately dubbed “The Golden Girls” in Colane, Judy, and Esther.

“Colane, Judy, and Esther are the golden girls of the Rock Valley Pizza Ranch, but they are part of a day crew of folks who all deserve recognition,” he said.

An evening crew consisting of young adults and high school students were honored as well by Wolthuizen.

“There are five different high schools represented within the evening crew, but they all come together as one team, and it’s truly impressive to watch the coordination, camaraderie, and efficiency on busy nights,” he said. “We are extremely proud of our evening crew’s commitment to excellence, and Rock Valley Pizza Ranch’s success wouldn’t be possible without them.”

General Manager Chris Freeman was noted by Wolthuizen as well for his consistent upbeat and positive attitude.

“One of Chris’s greatest strengths is being a positive person for our crew and community. He takes time to get to know each crew member because he understands that people are the greatest asset of any business, and he recognizes that his words and actions make a positive impact in the lives of the people we employ,” Wolthuizen said.

“We would have never dreamed in 2019 that the store would be capable of over a million dollars in sales because at that time we simply didn’t have the right people and the right culture,” Wolthuizen said. “As we look at the people now surrounding us and working with us, we are reminded each day of the Lord’s goodness and faithfulness. We believe they are deserving of being called the 2021 Pizza Ranch Team of the Year!”

About Pizza Ranch

Cultivating its mission “To give every guest a legendary experience” since its inception in 1981, Pizza Ranch connects with its communities in a way that provides bridges for friends, family and colleagues to come together. Today, Pizza Ranch is based in Orange City, Iowa and owns, operates and franchises 210 locations in 14 states. Consistent growth has been a Pizza Ranch staple, as the brand has become a beacon of community involvement and exceptional food. The Pizza Ranch buffet features legendary pizzas, crispy ranch chicken, salads and desserts, and is delivered with an unmatched service quality.