New Pizza place in Ames

**AmesCloneFan** · 02-11-2009, 11:14 AM

Originally Posted by bmuff

Yeah, I'd be a little worried if I were Geangelos. But then they don't rely totally on pizza. North Ames is kind of a different animal because they are isolated. Campus makes it difficult to easily go to campustown or west lincoln way. And there are so many freaking stoplights and so much traffic on Grand that going anywhere on Duff or Main St is a hassle. If you want to grab a quick bite to eat, it is either the mall area or sommerset. And sommerset just has The Cafe and Brewers. I personally think that the owner of Brewers is a huge dick and refuse to go in there...and many people I know agree.

The north Ames I'm talking about is no small group of people. We're talking a bunch of subdivisions with more on the way. Plus plenty of apartments in sommerset and new ones going up north of Bloomington. This is a huge number of people basically stranded with no ammenities. I mean, the closest gas station is over by Cub Foods on Grand. Much of this is due to the fact that the city planners were so strict in what they would allow into their "village concept". Really, that was a monumental failure.

What I'm really saying is that there's pretty much a captive audience in north Ames. If the pizza is 1/2 as good as it looks, this place will do great.

No kidding. I don't know the in's and out's of city planning, but the village concept has struggled out there to say the least. They need a gas station in the worst way, but apparently the city plan won't allow it without major stipulations and design requirements. The city needs to loosen up a bit. Fareway's not going to hurt either.

**AmesCloneFan** · 02-11-2009, 11:19 AM

And yes, I have to agree that Brewers... well, uh, isn't the best place to go on a Saturday night. Don't know the owner so can't comment on that, but I'm surprised that place has lasted this long. Overpriced, boring, and I've only been in there once when there were more than 10 people there. I did like that they were non-smoking when they first opened, but of course that niche doesn't really apply anymore.

**mplscyclone** · 02-11-2009, 12:11 PM

A few things:

1) Total name rip off of Godfathers
2) The stuffed pizza looks good, but the others look like grease is the #1 ingredient
3) Since it's in "Sommerset" I guarantee it will cost more than what it's worth...

**SeattleClone** · 02-11-2009, 12:16 PM

That pizza looks amazing!

**josh777** · 02-11-2009, 01:16 PM

Originally Posted by AmesCloneFan

And yes, I have to agree that Brewers... well, uh, isn't the best place to go on a Saturday night. Don't know the owner so can't comment on that, but I'm surprised that place has lasted this long. Overpriced, boring, and I've only been in there once when there were more than 10 people there. I did like that they were non-smoking when they first opened, but of course that niche doesn't really apply anymore.

No doubt, that place sucks...boring is the appropriate word. Really blew it to what one could do up in Somerset. With the crowd that lives around that area the best bet would be a place like a martini bar with lots of corners/walls, high-walled booths, more eye candy, small stage for live acts, etc. Or, the opposite end...a full-fledge sports bar decked out in Cyclone gear.

**mwitt** · 02-11-2009, 01:25 PM

Never heard of Geangelos.

**Mr Janny** · 02-11-2009, 01:27 PM

Originally Posted by mwitt

Never heard of Geangelos.

been around for a long time. Italian restaurant north of the mall. Good pizza. I don't think they deliver, though. Nice place to go for a meal. Nice and quiet. Food is pretty good, too.

**Ms3r4ISU** · 02-11-2009, 01:33 PM

Originally Posted by AmesCloneFan

And yes, I have to agree that Brewers... well, uh, isn't the best place to go on a Saturday night. Don't know the owner so can't comment on that, but I'm surprised that place has lasted this long. Overpriced, boring, and I've only been in there once when there were more than 10 people there. I did like that they were non-smoking when they first opened, but of course that niche doesn't really apply anymore.

I'll definitely disagree with you on most of this, although I admit you raise some valid points as to why you don't like it. Brewer's is one of our favorite places to go, and has been since it first opened.

It all depends on what you're looking for in a place.

**cyco2000** · 02-11-2009, 01:36 PM

A couple of things regarding Ames' "growth":

1. The City just turned down a low impact development on the north side...again.
2. The village concept is still the preferred method of growth for the City, some council members think it is working.
3. There is a lot directly east of the new Fareway that is set aside for a convenience store (albiet with a huge number of stipulations). FYI--the building going up directly east is a new car wash.

I could go on and on, but not sure anyone would listen...or care.

**Mr Janny** · 02-11-2009, 01:41 PM

Originally Posted by cyco2000

A couple of things regarding Ames' "growth":

1. The City just turned down a low impact development on the north side...again.
2. The village concept is still the preferred method of growth for the City, some council members think it is working.
3. There is a lot directly east of the new Fareway that is set aside for a convenience store (albiet with a huge number of stipulations). FYI--the building going up directly east is a new car wash.

I could go on and on, but not sure anyone would listen...or care.

I hear you. It has been my thought for a while now, that the biggest impediment to growth in the city of Ames, is the city of Ames. The council seems to have their fingers in their ears most of the time.

**thunderdave** · 02-11-2009, 01:43 PM

Originally Posted by jdewaard

I hear you. It has been my thought for a while now, that the biggest impediment to growth in the city of Ames, is the city of Ames. The council seems to have their fingers in their ears most of the time.

Which is pretty hard to do when their head is up their *** all the time.

**Wesley** · 02-11-2009, 01:44 PM

Originally Posted by bmuff

Yeah, Jeff's does have the location thing going for it. I hope that they keep it up. I'm not really a fan of their pizza, but the smotherella sticks and their sandwiches are awesome.

The Black Market Pizza will be in a nice location too, though. North Ames is growing pretty fast. And there's not much for restaurants on that side of town. Pretty much just The Cafe unless you want to drive to Grand. Sounds like it is going where the old wine store was.

You're right about the pizza...that makes me hungry even at 9am.

Is this owned or franchised by the old Godfather's owner from Omaha who wants to get back into pizza business after a hiatus with green Burrito?

**Mr Janny** · 02-11-2009, 01:53 PM

Originally Posted by Wesley

Is this owned or franchised by the old Godfather's owner from Omaha who wants to get back into pizza business after a hiatus with green Burrito?

I don't know, is his name Kato? and does he look a little like Bruce Lee?

**ISU4ME** · 02-11-2009, 01:53 PM

Living out in this area, I will definitely give it a chance or two.

Brewer's does suck. Been in there twice and have never gone back. I prefer the spit on the floor type of place to do my drinking - Whiskey River!

**AmesCloneFan** · 02-11-2009, 02:11 PM

Originally Posted by Ms3r4ISU

I'll definitely disagree with you on most of this, although I admit you raise some valid points as to why you don't like it. Brewer's is one of our favorite places to go, and has been since it first opened.

It all depends on what you're looking for in a place.

To each his own. You said it, depends on what you're looking for.

My suggestion if you're looking for a Brewers-like place: it took me a few years to realize that The Cafe even has a bar, but if I'm in the mood for a quiet more upscale place, I'd rather hide out there. It's a pretty small place, but they've got everything you'd want as far as booze selection, the bar tenders are very polite, conversational, and knowledgeable. Plus you can get Cafe food rather than cheese-balls and spin dip. I think if Brewers improved the food selection a bit that could help them.