About Us
Izzy's Wants to Share Our History and the Opportunity for Ambitious Individuals to Own and Operate an Izzy's Restaurant
Izzy's has been serving families in the Northwest since 1979; read all about our history. If you are interested, check out the details on how to become a franchisee through Izzy's Franchise Systems, LLC
— Co-founder, Fred Jansen
Izzy's History
A Northwest Tradition
One of the Northwest's most popular family restaurants, Izzy's has served high quality food at low prices for nearly 30 years. Izzy's is a unique concept, offering the pizza voted #1 in the region, a large Salad Bar, Hot Food Buffet, Pizza and Dessert Bars. And now, Izzy's offers more than ever before, with exciting new features such as Walk-up Grills, and the planned On-site Scratch Bakeries.
There are 20 Izzy's restaurants throughout the Northwest.
A History of Quality
Izzy's Pizza Restaurants were established in 1979 by Fred Jansen and his mother, Isabel (Izzy) Covalt. Prior to 79', Izzy and her late husband, Jim, had owned and operated Shakey's Pizza Parlors for twenty years in Albany and Corvallis, Oregon. They were, in fact, the first Shakey's franchisees.
Although the Shakey's operations were successful, it became obvious to Izzy and Fred in the late 1970's that there was a greater potential for pizza parlors if they were upgraded to pizza restaurants and if the menu could be broadened to appeal to a larger consumer segment. After many months of thoughtful planning, the Albany and Corvallis operations were converted from Shakey's to Izzy's, and a new, expanded menu, featuring a buffet and salad bar as well as chicken and various pizzas, was introduced. In 1982 Fred bought Izzy out of her 50% and subsequently developed the pan pizza dough recipe, which was introduced in 1984 and has proven to be one of the company's most important products.
The response to Izzy's menu and the pan pizza has resulted in a growth from the original two restaurants to the current number of franchised operations.
Under the leadership of Fred Jansen, Izzy's Franchise Systems LLC, formerly Covalt Enterprises Inc, kept its growth in the early years at a very deliberate pace.
This was for the purpose of fully developing the Izzy's Pizza Restaurant concept and the product lines before undertaking rapid expansion. From 1979 through 1987, only seven company stores and four franchises had been built. Beginning with 1988, the company began its first concentrated program of expansion with the development of several Izzy's in the Portland tri-county area, and site locations in the greater Seattle-Tacoma region.
Today, there are 20 Izzy's locations, with further growth envisioned in the rapidly growing western part of the country.
The hallmarks of Izzy's continuing success and growth are constant attention to food quality and customer service.
Franchise Information
Are You Interested in Owning and Operating an Izzy's Restaurant?
It is an exciting prospect to have the opportunity to own a successful franchise. Izzy’s Franchise Systems, LLC has the experience and systematic approach necessary to help you succeed. To find out more, contact us.