Cicis Pizza is bringing back a revitalized and affordable guest experience to the Auburn area with improved leadership and a return to high-quality standards. Jason Bench, the new owner of Cicis Pizza in Auburn, runs the store with an energized, servant-leadership style, which is bolstered by his more than two decades of experience with the company.
Founded in 1985 in Texas, Cicis Pizza was a pioneer in the Endless Pizza Buffet concept. Today, the company spans over 20 states with 270 locations, and for under $10, Cicis continues to offer all-you-can-eat pizza, pasta, salads and desserts to guests.
“I think we have a kind of competitive edge versus a lot of other restaurants. The [buffet] model remains one of the fastest and most affordable dining options a guest can have that gives you customization and variety. If there's a pizza on the buffet that you don't see, we'll make it for you,” Bench said. “A lot of competitors focus on premium pricing. We remain an unbeatable value for a big family, which is right now more important than ever.”
In addition to the Auburn location, Bench owns two stores in Savannah, Georgia and Flowood, Mississippi. Before becoming a franchisee in three states, Bench began as a general manager for Cicis Pizza over 20 years ago, and eventually, he was promoted to corporate leadership positions.
Since Bench and his business partner took over ownership of Cicis Pizza in Auburn in late December, they have been working to rebrand the store in line with the company’s multigenerational, community-centered roots.
“Auburn is kind of a smaller town and community town, and that's kind of what Cicis is. Their backbone is on that small community, you know, how can we get families to come together and enjoy fresh pizza and a fun dining room experience,” Bench said. “That's why we're trying to get [the Auburn] store rebranded and let the community know that it's under new ownership. We provided a new [general manager] that's as passionate about the brand as we are, and kind of just push that store forward a little bit.”
Bench also believes it is important to support the store’s fresh leadership to ensure those who share the brand’s core values progress in their careers with Cicis. One way Cicis assists budding leaders is through sweat equity, or giving them a percentage of the business in exchange for their labor.
Other changes that guests may notice are a cleaner and friendlier store, as well as increased marketing and community outreach efforts. Community members can now find Cicis Pizza on Auburn University Tiger Cash or their local apartment complexes' caterer for family events.
“That store has been there for a long time, and it used to be a big staple of the college. The store is not at sort of the level where it once was, and that's what we're trying to do now. We're trying to get back into the community,” Bench said. “We want to be a strong foothold in the community.”
Seeking to become “the spot” for birthday parties, special events and families, Bench cited the complete renovation of the game room from four to 15 prize-winning games or video games as the most notable upgrade in an attempt to draw new guests.
“[Customers] see it's different from what it was before, and I think management helps as well. Just living that, breathing that same sentiment we're trying to give out with the media,” Bench said. “When [customers] actually walk in, they get a warm welcoming, the doors clean, the buffet’s hot and fresh, and it's lovely.”
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Jennifer Santiago, junior majoring in political science and minoring in history, has been with The Auburn Plainsman since Fall 2024. Santiago previously served as a news writer, and she is currently serving as the Lifestyle Editor.
