Moses Lake loves Chico's

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake residents past and present love Chico's Pizza Parlor.

This was the main theme on the Columbia Basin Herald's Facebook page when readers were asked to share stories about the longtime business that was severely damaged in an oven fire Saturday night. Crews were on the scene for 12 hours fighting the blaze.

The popular eatery evoked childhood memories from fans, many who marked the second or third generations of their families to savor Chico's pizza. Readers mentioned their favorite pizzas with fondness, including the Hawaiian and the famous meat-topped Hochstatter. The restaurant's interior dark paneling, signature red benches and timeless decor all marked the Chico's experience.

With banquet rooms and a video game area, Chico's was known as a good spot to hold class reunions, work get-togethers and family gatherings.

Once the word starting spreading about the fire, people were even selling Chico's pizza online.

Others were shocked and saddened to see their favorite childhood haunt go up in flames. The third-generation business has been a longtime fixture in Moses Lake for the past 60 years and was started by the late Mel Zornes. His son, Dick Zornes, later took over the business and died in 2011, according to a past Herald article. Other family members were still involved in the business, the article stated.

Here are some readers' comments as they appear on Facebook:

Katie L. Moore: My family took me to Chico's ever since I was a little kid and I would watch them make pizza through the window. I had a birthday party there and hung out with my friends in the arcade!

Robert Ruiz: Chico's is an institution in this town. How many of us have had countless birthdays, team parties, family dinners/reunions, or watched games? When I lived in Tri-Cities we made trips just to come get pizza. Whenever I told anyone I was from Moses Lake usually the first thing they'd say “oh, that's the place with the pizza!” This really is kind of devastating for the community, I couldn't imagine what it's like for the owners, I hope they know the whole town has their back.

Toni Armstrong: I've been eating Chico's pizza since the 60's when it was out in Westlake. I was in grade school then and now I'm a grandma of 6. And they've all eaten Chico's.

Alexander Gutierrez: Oh man, growing up in the Knolls Vista area, Chico's was the place to be on Friday night. I remember my dad taking me there ever week and me begging for more quarters to play the video games. He always said “now, this is the last dollar you get!” But it never was. The old man loved to spoil me. Hope it reopens soon. I'd love to take my son there some day.

Toni Armstrong: Columbia Basin Herald ... my Mom and I took a pizza with us to Hawaii when we went over to see my sister years ago .. lol.

Barb Walster: We grew up in Moses Lake but have lived in Minnesota for over 30 years. Whenever we come back we have a big Hochstatter's. I hope they can rebuild.

Christine Carey: I too grew up with Chico's as a teenager. I am now 62. It's the best pizza in the USA. I go back to Moses Lake to visit my sister and always go to Chico's to eat. I hope the rebuild will be swift.

Share your memories of Chico's by adding comments to this story.