Godfather’s Pizza has made a legitimate return to Arizona.

Eighteen years after the Omaha-based chain pulled out of the state, Godfather’s Pizza opened at 22485 E. Queen Creek Road, Suite 101, Queen Creek, in January. 

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“Having been in the market, we knew we had the name recognition,” said Bruce Cannon, franchisee and longtime winter visitor. “There are many people who migrate here from the Midwest. They are familiar with the brand. People were quite excited about the restaurant when we put up the ‘coming soon’ sign.”

Cannon said consistency and abundantly topped pizzas have brought repeat customers. Among the signature dishes is the “classic combo” (the brand’s signature sauce, pepperoni, beef, sausage, onions, black olives, mushrooms and mozzarella cheese) and the “taco pie” (proprietary taco sauce, beef, onions, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and extra cheddar cheese). 

“The classic combo put us on the map,” he said. “When the company was founded 53 years ago — believe it or not — that was promoted as the 5-pound pizza. And it was 5 pounds of product.”

Cannon, who has worked for Godfather’s Pizza for more than four decades, is partial to the “humble pie,” which is topped with the signature sauce, pepperoni, Italian sausage, onions, green peppers and mozzarella cheese.

“You have to be humble to eat it,” he said with a laugh. “That’s just my sense of humor.”

Godfather’s Pizza was founded in 1973 by Willy Theisen and Greg Johnson after finding success with their pies at Willy’s bar in Omaha. The first franchise opened in Lincoln, Nebraska, the following year.

By 1982, Godfather’s Pizza had expanded to 632 franchise locations, making it the second-largest pizza chain in the U.S. during this period. New owners introduced Godfather’s Pizza Express.

“Willy Theisen owned a bar in town and next door was a pizza place,” he said. “The two owners became friends. They cut a hole in the wall between the two facilities. Willy started selling [Johnson’s] pizza in his bar. 

“[Johnson] left the pizza business. Willy took it over and that was the start of Godfather’s Pizza. Pizza piled high is what made us who we are today.”