After just three years, Rob Tudor and Derek Hood have turned Primos Pizza an all-you can-eat pizza, pasta, salad and dessert buffet into one of the Treasure Valley's more successful start-up stories.  Now they have their sights set on franchising in three states.

How did you land in the pizza business?
We both worked for a national chain for over 10 years each and wanted to work for ourselves at some point.  We love the restaurant business, but it takes its toll on your quality of life because of the hours.  We were looking for something we could do that was simpler than casual dining and provided a better quality of life.  Of course, it helps that everybody loves pizza no matter what age you are. 

What sets Primos Pizza apart from the competition?
The pizza market is saturated with national chains and local pizza restaurants.  By not doing delivery, take-and-bake or coupons, we don't compete against the national chains, which is a huge benefit because we don't have the financial resources they do.

We are also very service-oriented, which stems from our casual dining back-grounds.  We try to exceed people's expectations of what kind of dining experience they will get with a buffet concept.

What are your plans for expansion?
We are currently looking into Eastern Idaho, Salt Lake City, Wyoming and more stores in the Treasure Valley.  We are going to expand through company stores and franchise stores.  We feel this allows us to build the brand and concept at a faster rate than if we were to grow only by opening company stores.  We're trying to avoid the typical pitfalls of growing too fast, too soon.

How man franchises will you sell?
We don't have a specific number in mind.  We are going to be very selective to whom we grant franchises.  Its nice to be able to grow at your own pace and not have someone from corporate headquarters telling you how many stores you have to open and by what date.