Pizza Inn on Mangum offers a variety of services and discounts
A full service restaurant and pizza parlor with an all day buffet,
patio dining and a happy hour describe the Pizza Inn at 1801 Mangum @
West 18th. This unique eatery has a variety of dining experiences to
offer customers including a pickup window and delivery. According to
owner Hamid Foroudi (Jon), no other Pizza Inn franchise in Houston
offers such complete service. In 2008 it was voted Pizza Chain of the
Year by its corporate office.
Jon Foroudi has had Pizza Inn franchises for 22 years. His business was
previously located further east on West 18th Street, and was moved to
his present location on Mangum in 2005. The building was remodeled with
a larger dining room and buffet area. It also has a party room, panel
screen TVs and a spacious patio area.
Jon says he is eager to offer his customers specials and coupons to help
their budgets in tough economic times. “We have an all you can eat
buffet for $6.46 that includes pizza, a fresh salad bar, pasta, breads,
potatoes and beans, and a dessert bar. Children under eight can eat for
$2.99, and on Monday nights children eat free with adult purchase.”
Senior citizens get 10% off anytime. “Our pizza specials include any
Specialty Pizza for $10.99.” Discounts are also offered during Happy
Hour every day from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. with $1.99 margaritas and draft
beer.
“One of the things we do,” Jon says, “is make everything fresh. Our
dough is made daily three times a day. Our cheese is 100% cheese. We are
proud of our product.”
Jon has resided in the Lazybrook subdivision in northwest Houston for
the past ten years and says he likes the excellent location of the
neighborhood and his friendly neighbors. He is also proud of his two
sons, one a pre-med student at A&M and the other a student at the
University of Houston Downtown.
Jon came to the U.S. 32 years ago from Iran. He left the country just
after the fall of the Shah and the takeover by the religious government
which is still in place. “I was fortunate to get a student visa at that
time because the day after I left the airport was shut down and no one
could leave. I wanted to come here for the opportunity and freedom that
this country had to offer. I especially appreciate the freedom of
speech, because in countries like Iran you have no freedom of speech.”
Jon eventually became a citizen, married and had two sons born in
Houston. Later he was able to get his mother and two sisters to legally
immigrate to the U.S. and join him. Jon says he feels he has been lucky
to be able to live in America, and enjoys running his business and
serving his customers.
