Our Story
Three generations of passion, tradition, and the authentic taste of the American West. Discover the family legacy behind every slice.
Explore our menuA Legacy Born in the Heartland
In 1952, our founder Samuel "Sam" Mitchell opened the first Pizza Ranch in a small Montana town, driven by a simple dream: to bring families together over authentic, hearty meals that celebrated the spirit of the American West.
What started as a modest diner serving ranchers and travelers has grown into a beloved family tradition. Sam's secret was combining traditional Italian pizza techniques with bold Western flavors and generous ranch-style portions that satisfied even the hungriest cowboys.
Today, his grandson continues the legacy, ensuring every pizza tells the same story of family, community, and authentic Western hospitality that Sam envisioned over 70 years ago.
Our Mission & Values
We're more than just a pizza restaurant. We're keepers of tradition, builders of community, and creators of memories that last a lifetime.
Family First
Every recipe, every service decision, every smile is guided by our commitment to treating you like family. Your memories are our mission.
Fresh & Authentic
We source locally when possible, make our dough fresh daily, and never compromise on the authentic flavors that made us who we are.
Community Strong
From supporting local farmers to sponsoring youth sports, we believe in giving back to the communities that have welcomed us home.
Western Heritage
We honor the bold spirit, generous portions, and warm hospitality of the American West in everything we do.
Meet Our Team
The passionate people who bring our Western hospitality and authentic flavors to life every single day.
Jake Mitchell
Chief Executive Officer
Third-generation owner carrying forward his grandfather's legacy with the same passion for family, community, and authentic Western flavors.
Maria Gonzalez
Head Chef
Master of flavor with 15 years of experience, Maria ensures every pizza meets our family's exacting standards for taste and authenticity.
David Thompson
Operations Manager
The heart of our customer experience, David ensures every guest feels the warmth of Western hospitality from the moment they walk in.
Sarah Chen
Quality Director
Guardian of our standards, Sarah works with local suppliers to source the freshest ingredients and maintain our commitment to quality.
Our Journey Through Time
From a small Montana diner to a beloved family tradition, discover the milestones that shaped our story.
-
1952
The Beginning
Sam Mitchell opens the first Pizza Ranch in Billings, Montana, serving authentic wood-fired pizza to local ranchers and travelers with a vision of bringing families together.
-
1967
Family Recipe Born
Sam perfects his secret ranch sauce recipe and signature Western-style crust, creating the unique flavor profile that would become our family's legacy.
-
1985
Second Generation
Sam's son Robert takes over operations, expanding the restaurant while staying true to the family values and authentic recipes that made Pizza Ranch special.
-
2003
Community Champion
Pizza Ranch becomes a cornerstone of community support, sponsoring local sports teams and hosting family events that bring neighborhoods together.
-
2015
Third Generation Leadership
Jake Mitchell, Sam's grandson, assumes leadership with fresh ideas while honoring the traditions and recipes that have served families for over 60 years.
-
2024
Modern Heritage
Today we continue Sam's legacy, combining traditional techniques with modern convenience while never compromising on the family values and authentic flavors that define us.
Join Our Family Story
Every meal at Pizza Ranch is a chance to become part of our continuing story. Come taste the difference that three generations of passion makes.