Twin Cities Bureau Chief Lauren popped in to Fresh Picked, in the far northern ‘burbs. Had the sausage pie as an eat-in, but observed the take out, including take and bake business was brisker than the inside diners. “Thinish” but with a thicker crust, she reports it was good, but not great. Exterior of the… Continue reading Fresh Picked Pizza Review – Shoreview, MN
Category: Pizza
Bagel Bites Review
Bagel Bites were invented by Stanley Garczynski and Bob Mosher of Florida, and sold out to a larger food company early on. Today they are in the hands of Ore-Ida (Heinz), not sure why, the company doesn’t have any similar products. They aren’t even mentioned on Ore-Ida’s main website, but have their own home, where… Continue reading Bagel Bites Review
Broadway Pizza Review – Twin Cities (the Minnesota ones)
I like things, places that came into existence the same year I did. I had a Seeburg Jukebox of that vintage, and Broadway Pizza and I were born the same year. Back in the day I used to visit the establishment, they had one location, in Northeast Minneapolis (which isn’t northeast, any more than mid… Continue reading Broadway Pizza Review – Twin Cities (the Minnesota ones)
Kwik Trip Pizza Review
I’ve written in the past the story of Kwik Trip and how I became acquainted with them about 40 years ago when they were just starting out. And I’ve written about competitor Casey’s General Store take and eat pizza slices, as well as when 7-Eleven launched into the segment a few year back. Nobody but… Continue reading Kwik Trip Pizza Review
Jets Pizza Review – New Hope, MN
Started by two Michigan brothers in 1978, this Upper Midwestern chain specializes in what I’d call “Detroit Style” pizza. A bit thicker crust, square in shape, square cut. They offer several different sizes, including one that’s “all corners.” There are now about 350 Jet’s Pizzas in 19 states, mostly franchise owned and operated. I could… Continue reading Jets Pizza Review – New Hope, MN
Bandito Barneys Beach Club Review – East Dundee, IL
Somebody else was buying, so they picked, and they picked Bandito Barney’s. I’ve never been there, I’ve even walked by it and didn’t notice it, the outside is an older home, and there’s only a smallish, faded sign over the door. But walk inside, and the whole world turns upside down, with massive outdoor bars… Continue reading Bandito Barneys Beach Club Review – East Dundee, IL
Digiorno Self Rising Pizza Review
It may not be delivery, it’s “Digiorno,” but for me, another “d” word motivates me to buy this brand: “desperation.” Translation? I’m in the mood for a frozen pie and happen to be someplace where this is the only thing available. In the case of last night, at a 7-Eleven, where the self-rising pepperoni was… Continue reading Digiorno Self Rising Pizza Review
Papa Saverios Pizza Review
There is some relationship between two Chicago-based chains, Rosati’s and Papa Saverio’s, but there aren’t any clues to that online. I don’t think they share any ownership, but they both list the same Italian immigrant Papa Saverio Rosati,as their inspiration and recipe source. Probably some sibling or cousin dispute, but no matter. Rosati’s has really… Continue reading Papa Saverios Pizza Review
Iltaco Pizza Puff Review
A family-owned Chicago food manufacturer founded in 1927, Iltaco (originally Illinois Tamale Company) makes frozen snack foods for retail, food service, and c-stores. They have two frozen pizza labels, “Big,” and “Bella,” sell frozen tamales and burritos, but probably their biggest presence is in the niche category of “Pizza Puffs ™.” A pizza puff is… Continue reading Iltaco Pizza Puff Review
Reggios Frozen Pizza Review
I’ve written about Reggio’s before; this one, and competitor Home Run Inn (HRI), were both born in Chicago pizzerias, 40-50 years ago. The companies are still in the restaurant business, and do a good business making frozen pies for regional distribution and nationwide shipping direct to enthusiasts. I’d venture a guess that these two pies… Continue reading Reggios Frozen Pizza Review