The Pizza Press is located in the Hamlin area in Winter Garden. This is pretty close to our home and was pretty much the only restaurant around when we first moved here. We went here way too much when we it first opened. They got really busy and in effect the quality went down, and the pizza was not cooked enough. We haven't been here in quite some time but decided to give it another shot. We were very happy the food was how we remember it.
They have really beautiful decorations for the holidays which is really nice. This is a create your own pizza fast food type place. You can dine inside or you can take it to go. I would recommend eating it here, it has never been the best when we took it home.
When we first walked in there was one family in front of us and two employees making pizzas and one at the register. They did not greet us or even acknowledge us. The family of three in front of us took so long to order. They clearly had never been here, and the options are overwhelming, so I understood. However, one of the employees was helping them and moved at a snail's pace and then the other girl was making what I can only assume a to go or call ahead order. I really felt like a bother to be honest, we stood there for almost 10 minutes before we ordered. After he helped the family, he chatted for a bit with the other girl. We honestly never got an acknowledgment or a hello. To be honest, the service is what is bringing this location down.
When you make your pizza, you start with the crust. They have the standard crust which is pressed in front of you but also have other options including cauliflower, broccoli, and gluten free. The next step is the base which includes sauces and base toppings such as minced or roasted garlic. The next step is the cheese, they have quite a few cheeses to pick from including mozzarella, feta, sharp cheddar, smoked gouda and more. After that comes the toppings which include meat and veggie options. You can add whichever you like when creating your own. After the cook the pizza, the last step is finishers which include toppers such as arugula or basil and dressings such as ranch and blue cheese. There are a lot of options at each step and little signs to help you along the way.
I chose my favorite pizza, standard crust, red sauce, mozzarella, extra bacon and mushrooms, topped with parmesan cheese and a side of ranch. Delicious! My husband when for the cauliflower crust to save some calories and topped his with smoked gouda, red sauce, Italian sausage, black olives, banana peppers, sun dried tomatoes and topped with arugula.
All in all, this is a really great place to get a customized pizza. It's neat because everyone can get their own combination and exactly how they want it. They are not the best price, we spent over $40 for two pizzas, a fountain drink and a beer. This wouldn't be the first place I go for pizza, but I do enjoy the customization. However, the employees' attitude is something that needs help. There have been a lot of restaurants built in the area, so I do think if they want to stay open and busy, they need staff training and they need something a little different. The pizza is good, but it is hard to compete with the chain pizza places that cost a lot less. This is definitely a place you go when you totally want to customize and want different ingredients. We will go back for sure! read more