Damgoode Pizza-maker Enters Northwest Arkansas

Damgoode Pies is putting its stamp on Fayetteville’s pizza market.

The Little Rock-based pie-maker opened its new location -in the same spot as the former Hoffbrau restaurant near the downtown Fayetteville Square – on Aug. 31. According to the most recent figures available via the Fayetteville Advertising and Promotion Commission, customers like what they’re eating.

For the months of September and October, Damgoode did $169,916 in sales, second only to Mellow Mushroom ($213,500) among Fayetteville’s dine-in pizzerias, excluding national chains. The rest of the top five were: U.S. Pizza ($153,550), Gusano’s ($134,296) and Tim’s Pizza East ($112,700).

Brendan Maxwell, 35, is Damgoode’s local franchise owner and managing partner of Maxwell Investments LLC. He said there were no reservations about entering a market with as many established pizza restaurants as Fayetteville.

Instead, he said his confidence was boosted by the fact Damgoode has won so many awards in Little Rock.

“I felt if we brought the same product to this store, we’d get the same results. So far, we have,” Maxwell said

Maxwell also said the secret to Damgoode’s success is simple.

“We don’t take shortcuts on ingredients or the prep,” he said, adding that two employees clock in at 8 a.m. every day to make fresh dough and Damgoode’s nine sauces.

Employees also are responsible for seasoning, marinating and cooking Damgoode’s beef, sausage, chicken and bacon daily, as well as chopping fresh vegetables. Pizza prices range from about $5 to $20, depending on size and toppings.

Damgoode has 33 employees, including 8 or 9 delivery drivers, and uses practically every inch of its 4,600-SF space. The restaurant is open seven days a week, serves beer and wine, and is in the process of adding a liquor license.