April 22, 2004

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 backgrounds.  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 many 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.

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Today's newsmaker:
Rob Tudor/Derek Hood
Age:  36/35
Business: Primos Pizza, with restaurants at 3909 E. Fairview, Meridian, and 234 Caldwell Blvd., Nampa
Previous Job: Chili's, Red Robin/Chili's
Where's home: Meridian/Eagle
Education: High School/B.A. degree from the University of Arkansas
Family: Wife Janet, 2 sons, Caden and Danny/Fiancee Tina
Favorite Idaho Activity: Mountain biking/Golf

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Restaurant: Idaho-based restaurant becomes first business at 12th Avenue development

By Lee Vander Boegh
Idaho Press-Tribune
June 10, 2006

NAMPA Get ready for all you can eat at one of Nampas newest retail developments along 12th Avenue.

Primos Pizza Pasta and Salad, an all-you-can-eat restaurant, has already claimed the first two spots at 12th Avenue Place and has been open since Wednesday. 

Brighton Corporation, the developers behind the 12th Avenue Place project, say they expect the remaining six spaces to be filled by years end and some to be occupied by late summer.

Were very excited about the location, said Michael Marcheschi, project manager.  We think this is a great addition and attraction to that part of town.

This is the second Nampa location for the Idaho-based Primos, and the seventh total in a territory that spans Idaho, Oregon and Wyoming.  Owners Rob Tudor of Eagle and Derek Hood of Star started the business almost four years ago in Meridian, and are happy about owning a company in the Treasure Valley.

This is home, its a beautiful place, Tudor said.  Idaho is just a great place to be.

Both owners spent considerable time in the restaurant industry before branching off on their own.

We both worked for large restaurants and wanted to be in business for ourselves, Tudor said.  And we wanted something affordable for families; thats really important.

Tudor and Hood own and operate four locations and have franchised out the other three.  The owners hope to open another Primos in Boise within the next year, and long-term plans include an additional Treasure Valley location.  Each location employees about 20 to 30 people.

In the meantime, Brighton hopes Primos will attract additional tenants at 12th Avenue Place.  The remaining six spaces add up to 7,200 square-feet, and Marcheschi said several regional and local businesses have expressed interest, though no deals have been finalized.

Regardless, the developer is excited about working with the restaurant. 

We think Primos will do well there, Marcheschi said.  Theyve got a great concept, and were happy to have them on board.

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First tenant
The new Nampa Primos Pizza Pasta and Salad restaurant is located at 1115 12th Avenue South and is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays.  The store can be reached at 466-4455.

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