Pizza Inn

Highway 70 Bypass 736-2185
3009 E. Ash St. 778-8500

What makes Pizza Inn the perfect place for pizza?

If you have been there, you know — the perfect golden brown crust, bubbly cheese, the best choice of toppings and sauce with just the right amount of spice.

Is your mouth watering?

For Pizza Inn, the key to being Wayne County's No. 1 stop for pizza and a perennial winner at the Taste of Wayne County is simple — quality ingredients, a diverse menu, fair prices and an atmosphere that makes it easy to load up the car to take the whole family out for lunch or dinner.

H.M. Poythress and two other partners, Griff Glover and Ed Copeland Sr., opened Pizza Inn in Goldsboro in 1969. Since that time, Diversified Foods has opened many other restaurants across North Carolina.

What's the secret?

Pizza Inn's specialty — pizza — is made fresh, from scratch daily. The sauce is a blend of special spices that has been famous for more than 50 years. To top that, customers can choose from a variety of fresh toppings to make their perfect pizza pie.

For those who want more than pizza, Pizza Inn offers homemade spaghetti sauce that has become a staple at restaurants around the country, as well as homemade lasagna, soup, sandwiches and salads.

There is something for every appetite at Pizza Inn's two locations in Goldsboro — Highway 70 Bypass (736-2185) and 3009 Ash St. (778-8500).

And for the hearty appetite or the family looking for a value, Pizza Inn offers a variety of special buffets as well as other specials that make eating out more than just a once in a while treat.

And after you have filled up on pizza, lasagna or spaghetti, Pizza Inn offers a wide selection of Pizzerts — desserts that have a special sweet touch on a pizza crust.

But quality food is not all that Pizza Inn offers. The restaurants pride themselves on quality service as well.

Pizza Inn is proud of its service and staff, many of whom have been at the restaurants for more than 30 years — a sign that they are proud to be a part of the chain and willing to invest their skills in helping the business grow. The staff wants to make sure that your meal is an outstanding and memorable one. They understand that every customer — in the dining room, at the drive thru, for delivery or carryout — deserves to be treated like he or she is top priority — and they work to make that happen every single day.

In addition to the staff, Pizza Inn is also proud of the look of its restaurants.

The wood and artifacts in each of the locations are originals, giving the restaurants a turn of the century feel that makes a trip out for dinner an experience as well as a meal.

But to make sure that the atmosphere best meets customers' needs, Pizza Inn continues to improve its locations. Currently, the company is remodeling its Highway 70 location inside and out. Landscaping and bathrooms are being improved and new carpet and booths and improved lighting are planned. A new pole sign is also planned, so keep a lookout for the change.

The East Ash Street location also features a game room for children as well as a large party room perfect for a corporate function or a large family gathering. That location is also scheduled for remodeled restrooms and landscaping.

For H.M. Poythress, there was no question that Goldsboro would remain his home.

"We have been in the Goldsboro community since 1969," he said. "Our corporate office is in Wilson, but we live here."

The business continues to be a family affair.

Daughter Jill Nielsen and her husband, Sean, work in the company and are raising their family here as well. Sean serves as the company's area supervisor, while Jill handles advertising, including the company's famous commercials.

That commitment to the community is a charge the company takes seriously. Pizza Inn is an active community supporter in a wide variety of charitable efforts providing pizza and donations to worthwhile organizations throughout the county. Schools and churches are also welcome for a variety of fundraisers throughout the year.

After all, Poythress said, that's what families do, support each other.

"We have always thought of this community as part of our family," he said.

And for generations, hungry families have responded, choosing Pizza Inn for their favorite dinner spot as well as a place to celebrate special occasions of all kinds.

And the Pizza Inn family really cares about your suggestions, criticisms or other comments.

"It is a wonderful feeling to go out in the community and see our customers and have them tell us about their experience at one of our restaurants," Poythress said.

After all, their customers aren't the only ones keeping their eye on what's happening at Pizza Inn — and planning for the future.

"Our family never gets tired of eating pizza," he said. "We are constantly trying new products to bring to our customers."

So, whether you are having a family meal or planning a special event, come by Pizza Inn for a great meal at a great price.

And while you are there, make sure to say hi. After all, you are among family.