Bad News For Fans Of CiCis Pizza

Is there any greater leveler than CiCis Pizza ? For less than $6, co-workers all across the country could shrug off their differences, belly up to the buffet, and enjoy fiendish amounts of unlimited salad and pizzas over their lunch breaks. Now that COVID-19 has changed the social landscape, for many of us, diversions like buffets and lunch with co-workers are starting to seem like memories from a very distant past. It's clear that CiCis has certainly felt the shift. As Delish reported, the chain's parent company has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

With so many restaurants going out of business, it's no surprise that buffets are having an especially difficult time. In addition to the Chapter 11 declaration, CiCis has also worked out a deal to sell itself to its primary lender, D&G Investors, who had already acquired the chain's debt to the tune of more than $81 million in December 2020. 

CiC's currently has 318 locations in 26 states, and although the company has delivery options, the pizza chain generates a whopping 86% of its sales from in-store dining, according to Debtwire. Although bankruptcy is usually a bad sign, let's hope there's a reorganization that leads to securing a slice of CiCis in our future.

Like all restaurants, CiCis has had to pivot from its normal routine to focus on safely providing food during the pandemic. Those safety measures look different depending on the location. According to CiCis, some of their reopened restaurants now have team members taking buffet orders from guests and delivering the pizza directly to the tables, while other locations have team members serving the pizza at the buffet. There are a few restaurants, where regulations allow, that even have self-service available, but the spatulas, utensils, and red plates are now single-use.

Some CiCis locations have been able to remain open throughout the pandemic and offer third-party delivery and takeout. This means fans of the chain can order their favorite Spinach Alfredo or Mac & Cheese pizza with a side of Garlic Parmesan wings and have it delivered straight to their home. Sure, it's not like stuffing your face with never-ending slices while getting in on the office gossip, but, hey, the wings were never on the buffet anyway!