Midwest Favorite Pizza Ranch Expands Into Texas With First San Antonio Location
SAN ANTONIO, TX — September 23, 2025 — San Antonio is set to welcome a new name in family dining, as Pizza Ranch, the popular Midwest buffet chain known for its pizza, fried chicken, and community focus, announced plans to open its first Texas location.
The nearly 10,000-square-foot restaurant will take over the former Luby’s space at 5307 Walzem Road in the Walzem Retail Center in Windcrest, with a $1 million buildout currently underway. According to permit filings through the City of Windcrest’s MyGovernmentOnline portal, the project is in the commercial remodel phase. Contractors have submitted permit applications, which are being reviewed by city officials, with inspections to follow once construction begins.
A representative from the Walzem Retail Center confirmed the development on September 22, 2025. While the company projects an opening as early as October 2025, large commercial remodels of this size often extend into the following year, making 2026 a more realistic timeline.
A Buffet With Something for Everyone
Founded in Orange City, Iowa in 1981, Pizza Ranch has grown steadily across the Midwest, gaining a loyal following for its all-you-can-eat buffets featuring pizza, salads, sides, and desserts. Many guests argue the chain’s fried chicken, branded as The Country’s Best Chicken, rivals the pizza itself as the main attraction.
In addition to the buffet, diners can also place specialty pizza requests through the chain’s popular “Buffet Your Way” program—custom-made pizzas are prepared on request, delivered to the customer’s table, and then added to the buffet for all guests to enjoy.
Dessert lovers can look forward to Pizza Ranch’s signature Cactus Bread, a warm cinnamon streusel pizza, alongside soft-serve ice cream and seasonal specialties.
Family Dining and Community Values
Beyond food, Pizza Ranch is known for its family-friendly atmosphere. Many locations feature a FunZone Arcade, offering games and entertainment for kids and families. While it has not yet been confirmed whether the Windcrest location will include a FunZone, the feature is a staple of many new restaurants.
The brand also emphasizes its faith-based mission: “To glorify God by positively impacting the world we live in.” Community involvement and giving back have long been central to its operations, aligning with its Midwest roots where Pizza Ranch has been a frequent stop for presidential candidates during Iowa caucus season.
What’s Next for Windcrest
Once permits are approved, inspections scheduled, and construction completed, San Antonio residents will have their first chance to experience Pizza Ranch’s blend of comfort food, values, and community engagement.
The new location is expected to bring a fresh dining option to the northeast side of San Antonio, revitalizing the former Luby’s space with a concept that blends classic buffet dining with a modern community focus.
For now, fans can look forward to a Texas-sized welcome when Pizza Ranch opens its doors in Windcrest as early as late 2025 or in 2026.
