March 01, 2004

By: Martin Collins
Website: http://www.1st-in-steaks.com

Beef industry to help launch Pizza Ranch steak pizzas

Funds from the $1-per-head beef checkoff are allowing the beef industry to help Pizza Ranch launch three new steak pizzas. Pizza Ranch will be promoting the new pizzas throughout its 100-plus stores in the Midwest during April and May.

Headquartered in Hull, Iowa, Pizza Ranch is a popular chain in the Midwest, with stores in Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, Michigan and Wisconsin.

Checkoff funds from the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and five Midwest state beef councils will be helping Pizza Ranch boost the promotion.The National Cattlemen's Beef Association is also actively helping promote the three new steak pizzas.The state beef councils and NCBA will also be using the promotion to keep producers informed on how their checkoff money is being invested. As part of the Checkoff Program efforts to find greater value in underutilized beef cuts, beef from the chuck will be used for the new steak pizzas.

Direct mail pieces and in-store promotional materials using the Beef Check logo will be used to help promote the new steak pizzas, as well as radio and newspaper news and advertising, and pizza give-aways.

“This is a great opportunity for us to showcase beef in a promotional atmosphere that will allow Pizza Ranch customers to enjoy the great taste of steak on delicious pizzas,” says Sid Sumner, a beef producer from Bartow, Fla., and chair of the beef industry’s Joint Foodservice Committee.

The new pizzas being offered are the Hawaiian Steak Pizza, the Alfredo Steak Pizza, and the 57 Steak Pizza.

“The Pizza Ranch is excited to partner with the beef industry for mutual advantage,” says Jonathan Moss, Pizza Ranch brand director.“Working with the many ranchers and farmers that make up our communities is natural. With the successful launch of the steak pizza promotion, Pizza Ranch would consider adding steak pizzas as a permanent menu item, as well as review steak toppings for our Ranch Wrap sandwiches.”

DeSmet, S.D.-beef producer Bob Montross, a director of South Dakota Beef Bucks and a member of the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, is credited with helping launch the partnership with the Pizza Ranch. “The partnership between the beef industry and Pizza Ranch is a perfect fit for South Dakota and the other Midwest states involved,” he says.

“The promotion will help cattlemen understand the kinds of things their beef checkoff dollars are being used for,” Montross says.“The national news media has had a lot to say about the beef industry in the past five weeks. Now it’s our turn and it’s our time. It’s time to prove to the world that the U.S. has the safest and best beef in the world.”

Also see: specialty steaks online

About The Author:

Martin Collins is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-steaks.com.  Great tips on buying top quality meats, steaks and seafood from the finest ranchers and butchers.