KEYSTONE, CO – Pizza Ranch Inc. awarded Brook Watson of the Billings Heights, MT Pizza Ranch its Manager of the Year Award at the company’s 2023 Awards Banquet held at the Keystone Conference Center in Keystone, Colorado.

The Manager of the Year Award is one of Pizza Ranch’s top honors. This award recognizes one Pizza Ranch manager who stands out among all other managers across the chain, and who has driven his or her restaurant’s performance in the most exceptional way.

Pizza Ranch Franchisees Mike & Angie Christianson own the Billings Heights Pizza Ranch and several other Pizza Ranch locations across Montana, Wyoming, Minnesota, and North Dakota. Mike Christianson praised Watson for her hard work and leadership, “The best part about Brook as a manager isn’t the incredible numbers that she has produced, but the kind of leader that she is. She deeply cares for her team and rewards them with several different parties throughout the year, employee of the month awards, and praise on a regular basis.” Christianson continued, “Brook’s retention rate is above average, and her team includes many team members that have been with her since day one.”

Watson has led the Billings Heights Pizza Ranch to many record-breaking numbers. Since its doors opened in 2019, Watson and her team have set the standard for excellence by running the highest performing FunZone in the chain. The Billings Heights location also became a certified training restaurant in 2022. They are one of seven Pizza Ranch locations responsible for training new operators & franchisees in both the Restaurant and FunZone.

After receiving her award, Watson took a moment to address the room, “If you love what you do it feels less like just a job and more like a home and family. I invested my time and energy into making an impact and creating a culture people wanted to be a part of. In 2019, I was graciously given the opportunity to run my own Ranch. Our ownership put a lot of faith, money, and trust in me, and I had something to prove. I knew from the start, if I surrounded myself with friendly, engaged people, who needed a purpose and felt moved by the words they were hearing, I was on the right track.” Watson closed out the evening by addressing the fellow Pizza Ranch managers in the room, “You guys are incredible, I’m grateful to know so many of you. Keep fighting to make that impact every day, and make Pizza Ranch the place that really is different!”

Pizza Ranch Founder and President, Adrie Groeneweg, remarked on Watson’s success, “Brook is one of our young talented leaders. We are so blessed to have individuals like her paving the way for the next generation of Pizza Ranch operators, owners, and managers. Brook would tell you she is a better person for the impact Pizza Ranch has had on her life, but I can tell you without a doubt that Pizza Ranch is better because of Brook.”

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 more than 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. For more information about Pizza Ranch, visit PizzaRanch.com.