Our Story

Pizza Ranch began as a dream shared by the Hernandez family in 1985. What started as a small neighborhood pizzeria in Washington, DC, has grown into a beloved institution known for authentic flavors and community spirit.

Our founders, Maria and Carlos Hernandez, immigrated to the United States with little more than family recipes passed down through generations and an unwavering commitment to quality. They believed that great pizza comes from fresh ingredients, time-honored techniques, and most importantly, love for the craft.

Today, Pizza Ranch continues to honor that tradition while embracing innovation, serving thousands of happy customers who have become part of our extended family.

Our Mission

"To create memorable dining experiences by serving exceptional pizza made with the finest ingredients, while fostering a sense of community and bringing people together around the table."

We believe that every pizza tells a story, and every meal shared creates lasting memories. Our mission extends beyond serving great food – we're here to nourish relationships, celebrate life's moments, and make every visit feel like coming home.

Our Values

The principles that guide everything we do

Quality First

We never compromise on the quality of our ingredients or the care we put into every pizza we make.

Community

We're more than a restaurant – we're a gathering place where neighbors become friends and memories are made.

Sustainability

We're committed to sustainable practices, from sourcing local ingredients to minimizing our environmental impact.

Excellence

We strive for excellence in everything we do, from our food and service to our commitment to our community.

Meet Our Team

The passionate people behind Pizza Ranch

Maria Hernandez

Founder & CEO

Maria's vision and passion for authentic pizza started it all. With over 35 years of experience, she continues to oversee every aspect of our operations with love and dedication.

Carlos Hernandez

Head Chef & Co-Founder

Carlos brings traditional recipes to life with his masterful touch. His commitment to quality ingredients and authentic techniques makes every pizza a work of art.

Sarah Mitchell

Operations Manager

Sarah ensures every guest receives exceptional service. Her attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction keeps our standards high and our guests happy.

Michael Chen

Marketing Director

Michael connects our community with our story, managing our outreach efforts and ensuring that everyone knows about the Pizza Ranch experience.

Our Journey

Key milestones in the Pizza Ranch story

1985

The Beginning

Maria and Carlos Hernandez open the first Pizza Ranch location in Washington, DC, with just 8 tables and a dream to serve authentic pizza to their community.

1985

1992

Award Recognition

Pizza Ranch receives its first "Best Pizza in DC" award from the Washington Post, establishing our reputation for quality and authenticity.

1992

1998

Major Renovation

Complete renovation doubles our seating capacity and introduces our signature wood-fired oven, enhancing the authentic pizza experience.

1998

2005

Online Ordering

Launch of our online ordering system and delivery service, making it easier for customers to enjoy Pizza Ranch at home.

2005

2015

Community Impact

Launch of our community program, supporting local schools and charities, reinforcing our commitment to giving back to the neighborhood.