A Midwest buffet chain is making its Texas debut at the Walzem Retail Center in Windcrest. Iowa-based Pizza Ranch, known equally for its pies and fried chicken, is opening a 9,942-square-foot restaurant at 5307 Walzem Rd. as early as October.

Although the franchise has filed project details with the state, it has not formally announced its entrance into the Texas market. A rep with the Walzem Retail Center confirmed that the restaurant was in the works.

According to the company’s lore, 19-year-old Adrie Groeneweg opened the first Pizza Ranch in Hull, Iowa, in 1981 with an initial investment from his father. Two years later, a Minnesota businessman helped him franchise the concept. Today, it is one of the most recognizable pizza brands in the Midwest.

Although the buffet includes some traditional pies like pepperoni and sausage, the specialty pies are a little less conventional. Among the most popular items are Da Big Popper with whipped cream cheese, hot honey, and Italian sausage; the Texas Taco with beef, taco sauce, shredded lettuce, and crushed tortilla chips; and a pizza loaded with mac ‘n’ cheese.

The chain introduced fried chicken in 1987, which brought along a few unexpected pizzeria sides. Alongside pizza standbys like breadsticks and wings, the restaurant also offers mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, biscuits, and corn.

Many of Pizza Ranch’s locations include adjacent arcades called the Pizza Ranch Fun Zone, but it’s unclear whether the San Antonio outpost will have video games. Although the company has not released any opening details, paperwork filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation says the renovations are slated to be completed by mid-October. State timelines are subject to change without notice.