With locations all over the metro area, it’s becoming harder to call Pizza Shoppe a true indie pizza joint. In fact, it’s a legitimate chain. But it is also a small, local company.

The pizza they serve is simple and inexpensive. There is only one crust available, and it is somewhat thin. However, the skin of this pizza does have a distinct flavor, which probably comes from the restaurant's signature brick ovens.

Ingredients cover all of the basics, however don’t expect any eccentricities, such as artichoke hearts or slivered almonds. Their sausage and ground beef appears to be cooked fresh, as opposed to the frozen variety offered at most chains. Vegetables, appear to be cut fresh. The sauce is not incredibly spicy, but by no means bland.

In my several visits, I’ve found that servers encourage the ordering of salads. I usually decline the offer, and opt for garlic cheese bread. Slices of the latter are large and covered with plenty of the two key ingredients: garlic and cheese. On a recent visit, I decided to give in and order a salad. When eaten with crackers, Pizza Shoppe’s salad will amply cover the four food groups. The ingredients in the bowl included iceberg lettuce, shredded cheese, bacon bits and pepperoni (Yes, the salad actually has more meat than vegetables).

The main drawing card for Pizza Shoppe is probably its price. A Queen (medium) size one-topping pizza is less than $8. Additional toppings are available at a minimum cost. Other pizza sizes are, as you might surmise, Prince (small) and King (large).

At lunch time, a mini-pizza special is available. For about $5, diners receive a mini pizza, carnivorous salad and a soft drink. This is quite the good deal. In fact, it is probably a better deal than the many lunch buffets available. Why eat a large amount of pizza you don’t want, when you can order a reasonable amount of pizza you do want. Other menu offerings include some sandwiches and pasta.

I’ve been to three Pizza Shoppe locations, and all were decorated in a fairly simple fashion. I most often visit the restaurant between 87th and Santa Fe, in Overland Park. This location is decorated with a few random pictures and at least one old school video game.

Pizza Shoppe may not be the best pie in this fair, fat city, but it is certainly a nice alternative to most chains.

If you would like to share any ideas, e-mail the publisher at indiepizza@yahoo.com or visit the Indie Pizza Message Board .