PaPPo’s Pizzeria readies Branson shop

A pizza chain with Springfield origins is nearing opening day this month for a new shop within eyesight of Branson Landing.

The week of Nov. 13 is the targeted launch period for the 10th location of PaPPo’s Pizzeria and Pub at 490 Branson Landing Blvd., Stes. 307-311, said owner Chris Galloway. The Branson restaurant is part of the Lakeside Shoppes, he said, adding his store is across the street from the parking lot of Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, which is on the north side of the Branson Landing outdoor shopping center.

“We’ve been looking in Branson for probably eight years now. We are typically very patient about sites. We don’t really have what you’d call a bad location, and we want to keep it that way,” he said, noting plans to open this store have been a year in the making. “We’re location driven, and employee driven.”

Galloway, who opened the first PaPPo’s in downtown Springfield 11 years ago, according to Springfield Business Journal archives, said he wanted his new store to be near Branson Landing but heard feedback from locals that preferred he locate to where they could have easier access without as much walking.

“Also, to get a pizza delivered, it’s kind of tough when you’re inside an outdoor shopping mall,” he said.

Galloway said PaPPo’s is the first tenant to occupy the roughly 6,000-square-foot space, noting startup costs will be $1.2 million. He signed a 10-year lease for an undisclosed rate with Odom Branson Landing Investments LLC.

General Manager Rick Parrett, who is coming to the Branson store from the PaPPo’s in St. Robert’s, will lead the 65-employee staff, Galloway said, adding Cameron Ling will be assistant manager. He said the plan is for Parrett to train Ling to become GM, as the former is expected to go on to manage another yet-to-open PaPPo’s in Camdenton. The Camdenton shop opening is targeted for late spring 2024, Galloway said.

The Branson shop will seat around 220 people, he said, which includes 30 for a private party room. Aside from its pizza, calzones, baked sandwiches, pastas, cookies and salads, the menu will include 32 craft beers on tap, including selections from Springfield-area breweries such as 4 by 4 Brewing Co. LLC, Mother’s Brewing Co. and Springfield Brewing Co.

“I’m kind of excited about the number of new customers we’ll get there – visitors from all over,” Galloway said, adding opening in time for the holiday season was a goal.

Lee’s Summit and Fairview Heights, Illinois, are the lone PaPPo’s restaurants run by franchisees, he said, noting the others are corporate owned. Much like Branson, St. Louis is another popular area Galloway said his company has long targeted for a shop. A deal is getting closer to materializing, he said.

“We already have something identified, but we haven’t announced it yet because we don’t have the agreement pulled together yet,” he said.