For Steve Cronin and Terry Larsen, Pizza Ranch isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a family tradition and a place where lifelong memories are made. From their first jobs at 14 in Fort Pierre, S.D., to co-owning two thriving locations in Rapid City, the pair have spent nearly three decades creating legendary experiences for guests of all ages.
From kids’ birthday parties and the expanded Fun Zone to family gatherings around the buffet, Pizza Ranch has become a cornerstone of the Black Hills community and Steve and Terry’s family.
“Our mission is to give every guest a legendary experience,” Steve said, reciting the organization’s longstanding credo.
The first Pizza Ranch opened in 1981 in Hull, Iowa, by 19-year-old Adrie Groeneweg, who had a vision of great pizza, excellent guest service and a community-focused attitude. The company’s foundation is what has kept Steve with Pizza Ranch for so many years. “I didn’t dream I would still be here so many years later. I thought maybe through high school. Both of my older brothers also worked at the Pizza Ranch in Fort Pierre.”
Jim Larsen, Terry’s father, who opened the Fort Pierre family restaurant in 1992, was a mentor to Steve and the other teenage workers, Steve said. “Jim really took care of us. As I grew into an adult, I wanted to provide the opportunities Jim provided me during my first job. There is just so much to love about Pizza Ranch. It is not just about the food; it is the people, the employees, the guests, the kids who keep me young.”
Steve continued to work for the local Pizza Ranch while attending Chadron State College. It was his sophomore year at Chadron State when he decided to focus on building a career with Pizza Ranch. “I figured this is what I wanted to do and partnered with Jim and Anita in Fort Pierre. It is all history from there.”
In 2010, Steve and Terry opened their first location on Luna Avenue, and in 2013 opened the Stumer Road restaurant. In 2022, they expanded the Stumer location by 3,000 square feet to enhance the Fun Zone Arcade and party rooms. The Fun Zone now spans 2,600 square feet, featuring a variety of arcade games, including basketball, Skee-Ball, claw machines, and a Virtual Reality roller
coaster. Guests can also enjoy a massive prize wall, where both kids and adults can redeem tickets for rewards ranging from Tootsie Rolls to Dewalt tools and PlayStation 5 consoles.
“The Fun Zone has really provided a whole new dining experience,” Steve said. “We say ‘Make it a Buffet and Play Day.’ Come in for the buffet and stay to play. Kids’ eyes just light up when they come in.” One of those kids is Steve’s three-year-old son, Crue, also known as chief product officer. “He makes sure the toys are good for all ages,” Steve said.
Steve’s 15-year-old daughter Myah also works at the Pizza Ranch. It was also her first job at 14. Steve and Terry are committed to offering young workers the same opportunities they once received
from Jim. “We enjoy sharing our experiences and highlighting the potential for growth and advancement,” Steve said.
Another core value of Pizza Ranch is community involvement, and Steve and Terry are dedicated to giving back. Twice a week, both of their locations host community impact nights, where a portion of sales during specific hours is donated to local organizations.
“They come in, bus tables, interact with guests, and help us create that legendary experience—then we give back to them,” Steve explained. Over the past 15 years, the owners have contributed more than half a million dollars to the community. “We take great pride in staying involved and supporting those around us,” Steve said.
With the Black Hills being a popular tourist destination, there are plenty of dining options, but Pizza Ranch prioritizes creating a family-friendly atmosphere that welcomes all ages, Steve said.
“That’s the foundation of our culture—delivering a legendary experience from the moment guests walk through the door, to enjoying their meal, and finally redeeming their prizes at the end.”
As Steve and Terry mark 15 years in the Black Hills, their commitment remains strong —continuing to serve up family fun and legendary experiences for years to come.
