behind the brand

Which Buffet Was Priced At $2.99 Almost 40 Years Ago?

It also started originally as a take-out QSR. Keep reading to see other ways this buffet concept has customer service rooted in its foundation. 

  • CICI ENTERPRISES, INC. was founded by Joe Croce in 1985 in Plano, Texas, after putting himself through SMU working in pizza restaurants.

  • The first location was strictly take-out, but the second location (Dallas, TX) introduced the Cicis Buffet.

  • The original Cicis Buffet was priced at $2.99.

  • Cicis teams were trained to have a “Jump the Counter Mentality,” meaning they do the little things other restaurants don’t do, such as greeting customers when they arrive, open the door, carry a highchair, engage in casual conversation, and give kids high-fives.

  • Cicis’ mission statement remains: “To do whatever it takes to exceed each guest’s expectations.”

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