Houston-based Crust Pizza Co. is expanding its chain of gourmet pizzerias into San Antonio with plans to open a half-dozen locations by the end of next year.
Crust recently opened its first area location at 2955 Town Center Drive in New Braunfels, and a Stone Oak location is scheduled to launch by the end of this year, CEO Carl Comeaux told the Current. Planned for 2025 are stores in Alamo Ranch, Cibolo, Boerne and on the North Side near Loop 1604.
Comeaux said Crust's family-focused dining experience sets it apart from other pizzerias. Each location includes a patio with corn hole games and blocks for the kids to enjoy some playtime. Although guests order at a counter, the pies are served with real plates and silverware rather than the paper plates and disposable plastic utensils favored at many pizzerias.
"We're basically the new Pizza Hut," Comeaux said. "We're bringing the dine-in experience back."
Crust's pizza has a thin crust, cut into Chicago-style squares. The restaurants make their dough fresh all day and top the pies with fresh produce and freshly-grated cheese.
Though the pizzas are gourmet, the prices aren't, according to Comeaux. The chain runs a special offering one pie for $19 and a second at $10.
Even though half of Crust's orders are to-go, Comeaux said he's put thought into the ambience of the restaurants, from their dim lighting to their industrial, open ceilings. The chain also offers regular specials. On Tuesdays, kids eat free, and Wednesdays include half-off wine for the parents.
Crust currently has 27 locations, primarily in the Houston area. It's also expanded outside the state with four locations in Louisiana.
