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Cicis - Help
🕑 Added 2020-06-08 19:03:57 +0000 UTCI've been researching the pizza chain Cicis but they've proven to be mysterious. They've closed restaurants consistently over the past 10 years but I can't point to any direct reason for it. If you know about or can find anything that could help explain it, that would be helpful. But also, what's your opinion of them? It seems to be very mixed overall and I'm thinking it's dependent on the specific restaurant rather than the whole chain. Anything you could offer is appreciated.
Comments
John Sutton
We have gone to Cici's a couple of times. Definitely agree with the other commenters saying it is more geared towards families and is cheaper buffet style pizza. The draw of Cici's in my opinion is the different and unique kinds of pizza they have. I have 2 young boys now and while their are no Cici's by us, I could say that would be a fun thing to do if we were out and there was one. I live in NJ and I can't think of any in this state. In PA I know of 2 and that is where the one we went to was.
Brian Smith
They started in Plano, TX and now headquarter in Irving, TX. Coincidentally I grew up and live very close to Plano, and I work at offices in both cities for my employer. Even crazier is that their HQ are in the same office building where my employer once had offices. Coworkers who worked in that building mentioned that CiCI’s were tenants on the floor above ours and that the people seemed quiet. They seem to have a relatively consistent presence in the area. A location they had in The Colony, TX was once closed for a few months due to rumors I cannot confirm, but they re-opened and seem to have steady business. In my hometown, they were in a take-out only space and moved to a full service dining space in the same shopping center a couple of years ago. Generally speaking, the pizza is decent considering the low price. I’ve always liked their pizza crust that sort of sweet with a light doughy texture. I’ll dig around and see if I can find any records or information in local sources.
Company Man
Fair enough. First time I've heard of mac and cheese pizza and I'm definitely going to be talking about it in the video. Appreciate the help.
Brian Hortin
I was never much of a CiCi’s customer. To be fair my dad has worked for Pizza Hut most of my life, so eating pizza from other restaurants wasn’t a very common occurrence growing up. The main thing that I remember about CiCi’s is the commercials for the buffet and it being the first place that I had ever heard of mac and cheese pizza.
Company Man
I saw their video, their videos are generally not too helpful.
Company Man
Those are some good thoughts. I'm on the same page with you about the kids and families things. Appreciate it Brandon.
I went a few times when I was college age. I didn't think the pizza was that good and it pretty clearly seemed geared towards kids (macaroni pizza!) and families looking to eat for cheap. I think anyone outside of that target demographic would avoid it since there are so many better options. At least here, several places opened up offering solo sized pizzas shortly before our CiCi's closed. Maybe they took too much business away since discerning parents could let everyone get what kind of pizza they want without it having to be a low quality buffet. Plus millennials are generally more willing to spend a bit more for something better, which is why Subway has also struggled.
Brett Walton
YouTube channel “Mashed” has a video on CiCi’s pizza. I don’t remember ever having CiCi’s so I am not sure how they are.
