From Mom’s to Bob’s
Bob Smith, owner of what used to be Mom’s Pizza in Havertown, left the franchise after the chain started supplying less-than-fresh ingredients.
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What used to be Mom’s Bake At Home Pizza is now Bob’s Pizza. Not only does it have a new name, but it has a fresh new look. But customers can expect their pizzas to be fresher than ever -- literally.
Bob Smith, owner of what is now Bob’s Pizza on 32 W. Eagle Road, made the official decision to break off from the Mom's franchise and change the name in June. This followed an early 2011 decision the pizzeria made decided to close their bakery in Manayunk and started delivering frozen bread.
Smith said he and some other Mom's franchise owners tried to convince the chain to open a different bakery to no avail. Frozen bread was substituted and while Smith said he tried to give it a chance, his customers weren't having it.
"I knew in my heart that it wasn't going to be a hit," he said. "But after three, four weeks of declining business, it became an easy decision to make."
Smith said he -- and several other Mom's Pizza franchise owners -- were against the frozen crust to begin with.
"We all bought into the fresh pizza business, we didn't buy into the frozen pizza business," he said, adding that only two of the nine Mom's stores will stay in the franchise. The rest, he added, will be breaking off on their own like he is.
Smith's history with Mom's pizza goes back several years before he owned his shop. He always enjoyed the pizza. And after his first two jobs didn't prove fulfilling -- one job as a teacher and another as an IT recruiter -- Smith saw the Havertown shop's 2003 sale as an opportunity.
From then on out, Smith worked to up the quality of the store.
"I put an emphasis on fresh ingredients," he said. "The previous owners offered canned vegitables but we went away from that immediately and offered fresh vegetables."
The store, he said, developed a much better reputation after a couple of years. And Smith said he intends to continue the store's success.
"I got tons of phone calls [when we carried the frozen bread], but unfortunately I just stopped getting my repeat business back," he said. "It was tough to serve that product that we were given."
But Smith said things are looking up since he started buying bread from an unnamed, local bakery.
"I'm getting thank you calls and emails on a weekly, if not daily, basis," he said. "It makes us happy to sell it again."
Theresa Pyne
7:36 am on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Good Article. Makes us want to give Bob's a try! We used to get Mom's , but stopped years ago...when my husband said.."this is just frozen pizza." And never went back.
But,we will soon!
Nancy Brophy
10:56 am on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
I had been a long time customer of Mom's until April. I noticed a change in the shells-they seemed old & frozen. The stromboli were also different-no ingredients listed-could not purchase fresh sttromboli although owner said they were made on premises. I have never been back.
Bob's Bake at Home Pizza
9:30 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012
Hi Nancy, thanks for commenting. I hope you'll give "bake at home" another shot. I'll be the first to admit the pizzas were not up to par in the timeframe you mentioned, hence the name change and the move to an all-natural, fresh pizza crust once again, to go with our homemade sauces, fresh meats & veggies. As for the Stromboli, we freeze them for convenience and longevity, as they don't sell at the rate of pizza. If you call me with an order I'll keep yours fresh. As for the ingredients, we're not required to list them but it's the same all-natural ingredients in our pizza dough, plus whatever toppings are inside, i.e. pepperoni, steak, spinach, etc... All the best, Bob.
Chris Whiting
11:27 am on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
I have recently bought regular pizzas and gourmet gluten free pizzas (with soy cheese) for a party. I had guests over the house for dinner and not everyone arrived at the same time. I cooked the pizzas as I needed them and everyone loved them. Less than 10 minutes in a hot oven. One pizza was leftover and we cooked it for dinner the next night and it was just as good. Very convenient and easy with good reviews from my guests. I am very pleased and will be a regular customer.
Sarah
11:39 am on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
We were long time customers too until the product changed. We would go to this store and the one in Newtown Square depending on our ride home from work. I've been back since the name change and it's really good.
Adam Pomerantz
1:24 pm on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Bob does a great job!!! Get some pizza tonight!
Nancy Mc Carthy
1:31 pm on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Nancy Mc Carthy
I agree with #2 comment. I also stopped in to buy fresh stromboli and there were only frozen ones in the case. I don't believe they were made on the premises as the owner, Bob, told me.
Michelle Collier
2:19 pm on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Bob has always seemed like someone with a ton of integrity and great customer service. I'm glad he's opted out of the franchise and is using fresh ingredients. Looking forward to getting pizza here again.
Mary Lou Kolowitz
3:58 pm on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
We are regular customers of Bob's and love the products.
Bob is also a supporter of the Haverford Township Free Library where I work. Please support him and the other small businesses in Havertown!
Judy Hollinger
4:37 pm on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Maybe Bob will try to emulate some pizza ideas from Bake 425 in Bryn Mawr. Wonderful shells and toppings! Looking forward to trying Bob's pizzas with fresh, healthy toppings.
Erin Meyers
5:27 pm on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
I went to Mom's in the past, and have been to the now Bob's Bake At Home, its amazing! I could eat the pizza there everyday. Fresh toppings on your pizza, its made right in font of you so you know what is going on it. Also all the employees wear gloves so no dirty hands touching your food. They also provide gluten free options. Bob, the owner is very personable and is always willing to go the extra mile to please his customers. I would recommend this place to everyone!
Joanne Harrison
5:37 pm on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
I recently had a Bob's traditional cheese pizza, and a Greek pizza. Both were delicious, as were the crabcakes and wings he sells. Give it a try!