ORANGE CITY – The Waukesha Pizza Ranch was awarded the Community Impact Award by Pizza Ranch Inc. at its annual Awards Banquet June 14 at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells, WI.

The Community Impact Award recognizes a franchisee or Pizza Ranch that has made a positive impact in their community and lives out the Pizza Ranch Vision, “To Glorify God by Positively Impacting the World.”

“This award belongs to the entire Waukeska community and we are humbled to receive it in their honor,” said Waukesha General Manager Jake Zappa.

In November of 2021 during the community’s annual Christmas parade, tragedy struck when an individual intentionally drove through the parade, killing six people and injuring many more. The act of violence was amplified as hundreds of people were forced to bear witness.

The team at the Waukesha Pizza Ranch sprung into action by providing meals to first responders, investigators, and anyone working the scene.

In the end, just over 24 hours after the event, over 450 2-piece chicken dinners and 120 pizzas were delivered to the Waukesha Police and Fire Departments, as well as the community members gathered around the vigil for the victims.

The team at the Waukesha Pizza Ranch were not done yet.

Two weeks later they held a Community Impact Night for their community group, the “Dancing Grannies” where 50% of all sales were donated back to the group for the members that were lost during the event.

Early in 2022, another Community Impact Night was held for the Waukesha Blazers baseball team and 50% of all sales, along with 100% of the sales from a silent auction, were given back to the team in honor of a young boy who lost his life and was a member of the Blazers.

“Character can be defined by how someone reacts in the face of adversity,” Zappa said. “In the day-to-day operation of a restaurant we may take care of the guests, serve cravable food, and give them a legendary experience, but when a team can put their own needs and desires on the back burner and step up to help the people of their community, that is a true test of character and truly legendary.”

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.