Arizona Pizza Kokopelli - Lanesborough, MA
N 42° 29.575 W 073° 12.126
18T E 647745 N 4706072
This Arizona Pizza restaurant is part of a franchise that originated in Massachusetts in 1996 and has since spread out to five states in the USA. Kokopelli is featured on their signage.
Waymark Code: WMABZ4
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 12/21/2010
Views: 23
This particular restaurant in the chain appears to be one of the oldest, perhaps even the original restaurant, although that is not a certainty as the company website does not identify which Massachusetts location is the original. It is located along Route 8.
About the Arizona Pizza Company:
"Bill Stevens, founder of Arizona Pizza Company, has over 25 years experience in the restaurant industry. In 1996, he opened a pizza and pasta restaurant concept in Massachusetts. The casual dining atmosphere was enhanced by the wood-burning pizza oven, the Southwestern theme, signature pizza and pasta dishes, and cable television sets strategically placed throughout the restaurant. Further adding to the ambiance was the full service, intimate marble bar that became a favorite destination for dining and socializing with friends and families. The final element that captured the true spirit of the concept was the introduction of Kokopelli, the fun-loving flute player character.
The success of the first restaurant eventually led to the development of the Arizona Pizza system in 2001, when Bill's third restaurant featuring the same theme and much of the same menu, but with greater emphasis on efficiency and economy, opened in Lenox, Massachusetts. This restaurant was the fusion of the earlier restaurants and became his most successful venture. The Lenox restaurant became the impetus for the creation of a franchise program, and in 2003 the first franchise was sold.
Today, Arizona Pizza restaurants have evolved even further. The new prototype features many of the same elements that made it such a success story.......the even popular wood-burning pizza oven, the same high quality, oversized menu items, and a commitment to excellent customer service. Of course, there's still Kokopelli, who has become a favorite character of old and young alike. However, the decor has been updated, new menu items have been added, and there are several prototype building designs that range in size from 2500-4700 sq. feet."
-- Source