10+
Years Serving Iowa
50K+
Pizzas Crafted
30+
Menu Items
4.9
Average Rating
Inside Pizza Ranch restaurant kitchen with fresh ingredients
Est. 2014 Ankeny, Iowa

Born From a Passion for the Perfect Slice

Pizza Ranch started with a simple dream — to create the kind of pizza that makes people stop mid-bite and close their eyes. Founded in 2014 by Marcus and Elena Thorne in the heart of Ankeny, Iowa, we began as a small family kitchen operating out of a converted barn space on SE Oralabor Road.

What set us apart from day one was our unwavering commitment to sourcing fresh, local ingredients from Iowa farms we knew by name. Every tomato, every herb, every wheel of mozzarella — we chose them the way you'd pick produce for a Sunday dinner at home.

Over a decade later, that same philosophy still drives every pizza we craft. We've grown from a two-person operation into a beloved community staple, but our recipes and our respect for quality have never changed.

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Our Mission & Values

Three pillars guide every decision we make — from how we source ingredients to how we serve our community.

Farm-Fresh Always

We partner directly with local Iowa farms to guarantee every ingredient is picked at peak freshness. No frozen shortcuts, no compromises — just real food made right.

Community First

Pizza Ranch exists because of the incredible people of Ankeny. We give back through local sponsorships, food donations, and partnerships with neighborhood organizations.

Craft Over Convenience

Our dough is hand-stretched every morning. Our sauces are slow-simmered from scratch. We believe that patience and passion produce pizzas worth savoring.

The Principles That Guide Our Kitchen

From the way we train our team to the way we treat our guests, these values aren't just words on a wall — they're the recipe for everything we do.

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Quality Without Compromise

We set the bar high and keep it there. Every pizza that leaves our kitchen must meet our personal standard of excellence.

Respect for People

We treat every customer, employee, and partner with genuine respect and appreciation. People make this place special.

Sustainable Practices

We minimize waste, compost kitchen scraps, and work with suppliers who share our commitment to the environment.

Constant Innovation

Our seasonal specials and rotating menu keep things fresh and exciting. We're always experimenting to delight your palate.

A Decade of Dough & Dreams

Every great story has milestones. Here's how Pizza Ranch grew from a weekend pop-up into an Ankeny institution.

2014

The First Slice

Marcus and Elena Thorne open Pizza Ranch in a repurposed barn on SE Oralabor Rd with a six-item menu, a stone oven, and a dream. Weekend lines form within the first month.

2016

Brick & Mortar Expansion

Demand outgrows the barn. Pizza Ranch moves into a proper restaurant space, triples seating capacity, and adds a full bar menu with local craft beers and Italian wines.

2018

Best Pizza in Iowa

Iowa Food Magazine names Pizza Ranch the "Best Independent Pizzeria in Iowa." The recognition brings customers from across the state and cements our reputation for excellence.

2020

Delivery & Catering Launch

We launch our own delivery fleet and catering division, bringing the Pizza Ranch experience to offices, events, and homes across Ankeny and the greater Des Moines area.

2022

Farm Partnership Program

We formalize direct partnerships with 12 Iowa farms, guaranteeing hyper-local sourcing and launching our popular "Seasonal Harvest" limited menu series.

2024

10 Years & Still Rising

Pizza Ranch celebrates a decade of handcrafted pizzas with a week-long community festival, a new revamped menu, and the launch of our online ordering platform.

The Faces Behind the Flavors

Our team is the heart of Pizza Ranch. Every day they bring passion, creativity, and craftsmanship to your table.

Marcus Thorne

Co-Founder & Head Chef

Trained in Naples and passionate about traditional technique, Marcus brings Italian craftsmanship to every dough he stretches by hand.

Elena Thorne

Co-Founder & Operations

Elena manages the day-to-day magic that makes Pizza Ranch run smoothly — from vendor relationships to ensuring every guest leaves with a smile.

Jordan Rivera

Sous Chef

Jordan's creativity drives our rotating seasonal specials. A culinary school graduate with a love for unexpected flavor combinations and fresh local produce.

Priya Nair

Catering Manager

Priya turns any event into an unforgettable feast. With five years in event catering, she's the expert behind our flawless large-scale pizza experiences.

Ready to Taste the Ranch Difference?

Order a handcrafted pizza today and discover why Ankeny has been choosing Pizza Ranch since 2014.