Blenheim is a small town in Chatham-Kent, and pizza night here is usually about something simple: hot, filling food that works for everyone at the table. It might be a Friday night after a long week, a hockey game on TV, or a weeknight when nobody wants to cook. Whatever the reason, a little know-how helps you order a pizza you will actually enjoy.

This guide covers what to look for in a good local pizza, the styles you will find on a typical Blenheim menu, how to pick a size, and how ordering works at Franko's 12 Buck Pizza on Talbot Street West.

The best pizza is the one that suits your table: start with a classic, then try something new.

What Makes a Good Local Pizza?

Everyone has a favourite, and taste is personal. Still, most people agree on a few basics when they judge a pizza:

  • The crust is cooked through. A golden edge and a base that holds its toppings without flopping or going soggy in the middle.
  • Sauce and cheese are in balance. Enough sauce for flavour, enough cheese to tie it together, and neither one drowning the other.
  • Toppings are spread evenly. Every slice should get its share, not just the middle.
  • It is consistent. The pizza you liked last month should taste the same when you order it again.
  • It is good value. Look at what you get for the price: size, number of toppings and whether sides or drinks are included in a combo.

The easiest way to find your own favourite is to try a few different combinations over time, starting with a classic and branching out once you know what you like.

Pizza Styles You Will Find on a Blenheim Menu

Build-your-own pizza

Most local pizzerias, Franko's included, let you start with a cheese pizza and add toppings. On our menu each topping is called an "item", and pizzas come in small, medium, large and extra-large. Our fresh topping list covers the favourites: pepperoni, bacon, ham, mushrooms, sausage, onions, green peppers, ground beef, pineapple, olives, hot peppers and tomatoes.

Specialty pizzas

Specialty pizzas are tried-and-tested combinations that take the guesswork out of ordering. Franko's has seven large specialty pizzas, including the Mediterranean with a pesto base, the Spicy BBQ Chicken, the Philly Cheese Steak and the Chicken Alfredo. They are a good choice when you want something different from your usual order. See them all in the specialty pizza section of our menu.

Pizza and wing combos

Combos bundle a pizza with chicken wings, and some include fries and pop as well. They are popular for families and game nights because one call covers the whole meal. Our pizza deals page lays out every combo side by side.

Options for dietary needs

If someone in your group avoids gluten or dairy, ask what is available before you order. At Franko's we offer a small gluten-free pizza with up to 4 items, and lactose-free cheese is on our topping list. If you are ordering for someone with a food allergy or celiac disease, tell us when you call so we can talk about how the food is prepared.

How to Choose the Right Size

Size is where most ordering mistakes happen. A few rules of thumb help:

  • Think in slices, not pizzas. Most adults eat two to three slices of pizza with a meal, and big appetites can manage four or more.
  • Count the sides. If you are adding wings, garlic bread or a salad, everyone will eat a little less pizza.
  • Bigger is often better value. One extra-large pizza can work out cheaper than two smaller ones, so compare before you order.
  • Mixed groups need variety. Two pizzas with different toppings usually go down better than one giant pizza with toppings half the table will pick off.

Planning for a bigger group? Our guide on how much pizza to order for a party includes a planning table you can use.

Pepperoni is a favourite for a reason: it is salty, a little spicy and crisps up at the edges. Pepperoni with mushrooms, ham with pineapple, and a "garden" mix of mushrooms, green peppers, onions and olives are all safe bets for a group.

Hawaiian pizza has a local connection, too. It is widely credited to Sam Panopoulos, who is said to have first put pineapple on pizza at the Satellite Restaurant in Chatham in 1962, a short drive from Blenheim. For more ideas, read our guide to popular pizza toppings and combinations.

Pickup or Delivery?

Both have their place, and Franko's offers both.

  • Pickup is quick and has no delivery charge. Call ahead, ask for an estimated pickup time and collect your order at 18 Talbot St W. Our pizza takeout page explains how it works.
  • Delivery is the easy option when you cannot get away. Delivery charges and minimum orders are different for in-town and out-of-town addresses, so check our pizza delivery page and give us your address when you call.

If you pick up, our pizza takeout tips will help you get it home tasting its best.

How to Order From Franko's 12 Buck Pizza

  1. Browse the menu. Our online menu lists every pizza size, specialty pizza, combo, wing flavour and side, with current prices.
  2. Call us. Phone (519) 676-0777 with your order. Let us know about any allergies or dietary needs.
  3. Choose pickup or delivery. For delivery, give us your address and we will confirm the charge.

We are open Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays. Check our contact page for today's hours and directions.

Whether you are new to Blenheim or have lived here for years, the best pizza is the one that suits your table. Try a classic, try a specialty, and find the order that becomes your family's go-to.

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