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Big Cheese Pizza Company
(909) 797-8450
12013 Yucaipa Blvd.
Yucaipa, Ca. 92399
By: Ed Wright
Few things in Yucaipa draw more attention than a BIG new restaurant, and so it has been with the Grand Opening of the “Big Cheese Pizza Company.” By Yucaipa standards the “Big Cheese Pizza Company” is huge, and so was the buzz I kept hearing about “it’s opening”… it seeming took them forever to finish building out the completely new restaurant which is located in the “Old Vons” Shopping Center on Yucaipa Blvd.
As a practice “The Wright Gourmet” does not review brand new restaurants until they have had a couple of months to get established, and so we waited a while to review this one. During the wait we did actually have lunch their once before the Friday evening that we actually did an impromptu review with a small group of friends who were already there… and we had a lot of fun with the whole thing; which is what dining out is supposed to be.
As restaurants go, the “Big Cheese Pizza Company” is clearly a formulaic venue of which follows a very tried and proven business plan. If I had to summarize that plan it would be to try to appeal to as broad a range of ages as possible without so narrowly targeting any particular age group as to limit the restaurant’s natural business draw. The goal clearly is to draw kids of all ages who enjoy arcade type games… and the “Big Cheese Pizza Company” offers loads of games, flashing lights, sounds, prizes ect… and even bumper cars!
There are no “Rat” costumes ("Chuck E Cheese" style), but there is a game attendant who supervises winning points tickets and hands out carnival type prizes. The younger kids and teens are going to love this place until they tire of the games (if that is possible); and my guess is that the games will get swapped out as their draw diminishes with newer ones (just a guess). The game area was extremely busy on the Friday night our little group of friends visited, and all the kids we observed seemed to love the entire concept.
The “Sports Bar” Crowd is probably the major marketing draw for the “Big Cheese Pizza Company,” and for this thirsty group the Big Cheese provides numerous domestic & imported beer on draft and a semi-separate seating area away from the main seating area. Access to the seating areas are very open, and the inside of the restaurant is much larger than the outside makes it look. There is also the typical minimal salad bar and an all you can drink soda fountain section, both very nicely presented.
With seating for about 250 people, this restaurant is clearly targeted, and ready for the “Big Game” and the after the game “Sports League” set; both hugely popular in Yucaipa. On the Friday night we were there I took the liberty of talking with several other tables of friends who I observed were also attending. There were some enlightening comments form most I spoke with, and several had already decided the Sports Bar motif was to their liking, the beer plentiful and adequately cold. (2 tables I spoke with were repeat customers).
“Destination” vs "Simply Pizza:" All this said, we come to the pizza thing… which many might think from the name is what The “Big Cheese Pizza Company” is all about, but from my observation and experience I would have to say the pizza part is secondary to the “Destination” part. This is a restaurant that appears to be marketing the sum total of all of it's parts more so than the pizza itself... Selling the total experience and the "Sizzle Factor" more so than serving up pizza itself. This is probably part of the over all marketing plan, because the Big Cheese seems to be more of a “Friends & Family Fun” venue (Quasi-Sports Bar / Family Friendly) kind of place that also happens to serve pizza while providing lots of games and beer. If surveys were to be done, I am not thinking many customers are coming primarily for the pizza even thou they may order pizza.
Point of Dining Fact: If you are old enough to remember the old “Roaring 20’s” and original “Shakey’s Pizzerias,” and combine it with the much newer “Chuck E. Cheese” sort of thing, you have "The Big Cheese Pizza Company". My guess is that nobody is coming to the Big Cheese because they make the best pizza in the area; They don’t… and I’m fairly sure they know it (and don’t care). Trust me; nobody needs worry for The “Big Cheese Pizza Company’s” survival, they should do just fine with the crowd they are targeting and bringing in.
So how was the Pizza? We ordered my typical “Big Ed Special” pizza (Extra Sauce, Pepperoni, Sausage, Olives and Mushrooms), and received a pizza with possibly extra sauce, pepperoni, sausage, Canadian bacon, pineapple and no olives or mushrooms. We laughed off the foul up because we did not have time to wait for another pizza and just accepted the pizza after being assured this was supposedly the pizza we had ordered. Chances are somebody else got my pizza by accident; we will never know, and in all fairness to “Big Cheese,” please factor in that we did not ask for the mistake to be corrected.
As for the quality and taste of the pizza we received; it was on par with what most of the coupon guys serve, hot and… well, it was your typical mediocre pizza parlor pie. In my opinion (The Wright Gourmet), it is not going to win any awards, and is a bit pricey for what we received. My assumption is the “Big Cheese Pizza Company” plans to coupon heavily, and has priced their menu accordingly. (see the picture for sample of the pizza; you can click on it to enlarge it)
Follow Up: We tried what The “Big Cheese” calls a “Margarita Pizza” which is served without the traditional “Tomato Based” pizza sauce, “Italian Style” using only olive oil, garlic, fresh basil, some simple seasonings, extra cheese and fresh tomatoes. This pizza was actually much better… (and on a busy night), so go figure! As the “Big Cheese Pizza Company” comes more into its own, and the staff learn to work together, better things (hopefully the pizza) may evolve.
Review Comments: The “Big Cheese Pizza Company” has definitely spent their money well, and are working hard on developing their staff; we understand that ordering mistakes happen at even the best restaurants. The “Big Cheese” formula is probably right on track, and what needs to be understood is that the “Big Cheese Pizza Company” as a whole is the actual “product.” That “product” is drawing large and apparently a growing customer base.
Those that might believe that the “Big Cheese” needs to make exceptional pizza also may want to consider “Dining” somewhere else because my guess is that is not going to happen; and these are probably the same individuals who might ponder just how well “Bill Gates” (Microsoft) might have done if he had stayed in college; after all, he dropped out! (NOTE: Bill Gate’s investors are very happy) ... also consider just how many hamburgers McDonald's sells.
As an additional observation: Once again, we were there on an exceptionally busy Friday night (did I say it was busy?)… Lots of people, kids, games, noise and commotion… very loud ect. This said, as a habit I avoid public restrooms because even though this is a brand new restaurant, I was positive the bathrooms should/would be a disaster (lots of kids who make a mess kind of thing). I was very pleasantly surprised to find a restroom that was absolutely immaculate! Actually, I was amazed, and impressed! The bathroom was not clean by accident; the staff is getting it right in a whole lot of areas; can the pizza be far behind? I’m not sure they honestly need to care.
This article was posted by: Ed Wright and Central City Mortgage’s “Wright Team,” specializing in Residential and Commercial Mortgage Lending… Purchase and Refinance. Serving all of California from offices in the Inland Empire. For all your mortgage lending questions please call Ed Wright “Your Personal Mortgage Consultant For Life” at (909) 938-3777 or E-Mail “The Wright Team:” Ed@ForHomeLoan.info For other Questions and Answers about this Restaurant Review Magazine, Reviews and/or to Submit Reviews; Click Here
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What Others Have To Say:
3 other reviews...
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BigCheese Pizza Company
(909) 797-8450
12013 Yucaipa Blvd.
Yucaipa, Ca. 92399
Tom & Renee R.
This was our first time eating at the "Big Cheese Pizza Company." We decided to try it primarily because it was new and seemed popular from all of the cars. Over all the food was kind of what we expected; possibly a little over priced, but than so is everything else. The pizza was OK.; If we had to rate it, we would have to say it is about what most of the other pizza places serve.
We think the new "Big Cheese Pizza Company" restaurant should do very well in Yucaipa. It is very busy tonight. The last time we started came by, and decided to go elsewhere because of the line was to long, and we did not want to wait. If we had any complaint it would be the noise levels; It is very loud, and a bit hard to carry on an easy conversation at our table. We would probably come back, but would do so on a night when it is not so busy. Friday night seems to be a bit busy everywhere however, so we expected to have a short wait; and it is still rather new. It seems lots of people are coming just to "Check it out." Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves.
Overall we would say that it is about what we expected. If we were to rate it on "The Wright Gourmet 100 Scale" we would give it a 84, with the main areas of detraction being the pricing, noise levels and fairly long wait time. They are very busy.
Big Cheese Pizza Company
(909) 797-8450
12013 Yucaipa Blvd.
Yucaipa, Ca. 92399
Robert C.
NOTE: This review was done verbally at a table in the "Big Cheese Pizza Company" by Ed Wright and the customer(s) I know well. The responses are very relevant and come from an individual whose family owns another restaurant in the Yucaipa area and has a strong marketing background and understanding. We did not get into "Rating" the restaurant on our 100 scale, so no numerical rating is given.
This is the second, or third time we have come to the "Big Cheese Pizza Company." We find it enjoyable enough that we have come back several times. Everything is clean and new, plus the tables and general atmosphere are conducive for sharing a pizza and beer with friends. It beats all of the other pizza places in the area we go to, and we have tried most of them.
We would have to say that the pizza is good by Yucaipa standards; it is not the best, but not the worse either. We like it, and will come back; the fact is we are back tonight!
The menu pricing seems OK for what we received, and the service is acceptable for a pizza place as big and as busy as it is. As a whole we would say that the "Big Cheese Pizza Company" has a very good concept and well thought out product/service. It is nice to see a restaurant of this size come to the Yucaipa area. They spent some serious money building this restaurant, and it really shows. "Look around; They are packing them in!"
Big Cheese Pizza Company
(909) 797-8450
12013 Yucaipa Blvd.
Yucaipa, Ca. 92399
Robert B.
NOTE: This review was done verbally at a table in the "Big Cheese Pizza Company" by Ed Wright and the customer(s) I know well.
"Ah Yes... Ed and his review thing!" Yucaipa seems to have hit the big time with this restaurant. The Indian casinos have nothing on the "Big Cheese Pizza Company," our kids are going thru coins faster than any slot machine! Basically, we ordered, sat down and have not seen the kids (other than to give them more quarters) since we walked in.
It would seem they do not care about eating as long as they can bounce around on the dance machine... not only is the pizza getting cold, but we are eating most of it waiting on them to decide to come sit down. the "Big Cheese Pizza Company" makes for a winning kid spot. We are not sure the pricing is all that good, and "the pizza tastes a bit like the box, but at least it has sauce on it."
We have come because our neighbors kids (and ours) all wanted to come, again! They are having fun... we are paying the bill! As far as the food goes, we would have to say it is not about the food; "If McDonald's sold pizza, this is what the kids meal version would taste like." Nobody seems to make all that good of a pizza anymore... and they all charge too much, so this is about what any place else serves; and we can eat it as the kids play.
Apparently if you drink enough (beer), the pizza tastes really good! Ours does not have enough "Stuff" on it to be much more than a cheese pizza on one side... lots of sauce and crust with all the topping thrown onto one side. You can tell it was made in a hurry.
What is surprising, is this is our second time here. What can we say, "we are not very picky when it comes to pizza." We enjoy the kind you take home from the grocery store (on sale)... we have 3 kids; do we need to say anything else? | | Other Reviews
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