Local Business Spotlight: Blackjack Pizza

Did you know? Blackjack Pizza is a Colorado-born company!

Blackjack Pizza was founded in 1983 by Vince Schmuhl. After working several years for Dominos Pizza, Vince felt that there was plenty of room for competitors in the fast growing pizza delivery business. At that time, Dominos was the only major player in pizza delivery around the Rocky Mountain region and Vince felt that customers would really appreciate an alternative!

The first Blackjack Pizza store was opened on June 29, 1983 in Federal Heights, CO. The second store opened in Greeley, CO in February of 1984. Vince continued to open new stores, mainly in the Denver Metro Area. By 1986, there were six corporate owned stores and one franchisee in operation! Today there are 45 Blackjack stores in operation in four states, with five of those stores serving customers right here in Colorado Springs!

With everything from their classic pizza pies like the Full House (sausage, pepperoni, ground beef, ham and extra cheese - for the meat lovers!) and The Natural (veggies only!), to in-house specialty pies like the Mediterranean Chicken (with an extra virgin olive oil base for a lighter option!) and the Western BBQ Chicken (includes KC Masterpiece™ BBQ Sauce and bacon!), there is something for everyone at the wonderfully delicious Blackjack Pizza!

Check out the Colorado Springs-based Blackjack Pizza locations on Facebook: Blackjack Pizza of Colorado Springs

Now we must excuse ourselves... we're really craving some Blackjack Pizza!

Local Business Spotlight: After School University

After School University

Rampart Village Center
Corner of N. Union Blvd. and Briargate Blvd.
7689 N Union Blvd., Colorado Springs, Colorado 80920

(719) 659-5979

The staff at After School University are more than tutors - and are available all summer long to help your student build a foundation or advance in many different subjects and have a strong start to the new school year!

Their summer camps are in full swing! Designed for inquisitive minds, children and young adults between the ages of 7 - 18 can enjoy programs in physics, math, programming, animation, engineering, foreign languages, and more.

The staff at After School University are particularly passionate about math. "Strengthening students’ knowledge base in core mathematics allows them to become independent learners not only in the immediate school material, but also in the core math material that will be the basis for any future math topics in a school or university class. For elementary students, adding a strong math curriculum that is also fun was crucial in helping them to prepare and transition to middle school,” says Professor Glushchenko, Ph.D. The staff created the Comprehensive Math Crash Courses, based on world accepted practices of mathematics, that can allow students to study many other subjects at an earlier stage. Summer is a perfect time for students to catch up or advance, and After School University staff are here to help your child do just that!

Their next College Prep Workshop is coming up TOMORROW, July 21st! Its never too early to start planning and the evening's topic is a crucial one: “Funding Your College Education” - To register, contact Maria Feekes at (719) 659-5979 or mfeekes@afterschooluniversity.com.

Get social with After School University on social media, too!

Find After School University on Facebook

Follow After School University on Twitter

Garden of the Gods Trading Post

In the early 1920's, Charles E. Strausenback built the Garden of the Gods Trading Post to resemble the homes of the Pueblo Indians. Pueblo men and women were employed to perform native dances and to make baskets and pottery at the new shop. Navajo men and women were hired to weave blankets and create handmade jewelry. Native Americans continued to work at the Trading Post up through the mid 1950’s.

In 1979, the Trading Post came under new proprietorship, but paintings and photographs by Strausenback were hung throughout the building and can still be seen today. The wrought iron fixtures on the entry doors, as well as the handiwork around the fireplaces, are of his design and creation!

Since 1979, the Trading Post has expanded six times to become the largest trading post in Colorado! The art gallery features local artists, traditional and contemporary Native American jewelry, and Navajo rugs. Colorado gifts and souvenirs can be found in the main store. During the summer, the Balanced Rock Café features the popular buffalo burger, and diners can enjoy their meal in a flowered garden behind the Trading Post. In 2000, the Peak View Conference center was built, serving numerous weddings, conferences, reunions and or any other group function!

Have you had the chance to visit the Garden of the Gods Trading Post? Head over to Wizbee.com and write a review! Don't forget to check out the Trading Post coupons: discounts on purchases and a buy-one-get-one deal for the Balanced Rock Café!

Local Business Spotlight: Greg Unseth Painting & Exteriors

Greg Unseth Painting & Exteriors

3675 Jeannine Dr., Suite A, Colorado Springs, CO 80917

Phone: 719-550-0445

Think the name "Greg Unseth Painting & Exteriors" sounds a little different than it used to? You're right! They've added so many exciting services to help their customers keep their home exteriors beautiful, they had to make the change! While they continue to be a wonderful resource for all your window needs, you've got to check out the additional services offered by this fantastic family owned and operated company!

• Exterior & Interior Painting
• Window & Door Replacement
• Stucco & Stone
• Deck Replacement & Refinishing
• Fence Replacement & Repair
• Powerwashing
• Garage Doors & Openers
• Gutters & Downspouts
• Siding & Trim Replacement
• Exterior Tile

Did you know... Greg Unseth Painting & Exteriors is celebrating their 30th year of serving customers in the Pikes Peak region? Accredited with the Better Business Bureau and active members of the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce, Greg Unseth Painting & Exteriors is a company you can trust!

Greg Unseth Painting & Exteriors is proud to have served over 12,000 customers since 1981!

A family owned and operated company, and offer piece of mind with the best warranties in our industry.

Better Business Bureau Accredited Business since 1989 with an A+ Rating, members of the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce, and an EPA Lead Paint Certified Firm.

#1 homeowner re-painter in the Pikes Peak Region.

#1 dealer in Southern Colorado for Alside vinyl replacement windows.

Find listings and COUPONS for Greg Unseth Painting & Exteriors in our Home & Garden section on Wizbee.com!

Local Business Spotlight: Steaksmith

Steaksmith

3802 Maizeland Rd., Colorado Springs, CO 80909

P: (719) 596-9300

www.steaksmith.com

Steaksmith has been around for 30 years, with the same unique concept (see service section) and in the same building. The current owner (Dawson) is celebrating his 3^rd anniversary this month (congratulations Dawson!) The ambiance inside the restaurant is spectacular. While in the interview with Dawson, I definitely felt like I was in a legendary spot.

It’s the perfect place to celebrate special occasions. Even while conducting our interview, Dawson received two calls for anniversary reservations that evening. Steaksmith has historically been considered to be a special occasion restaurant, however, their prices are affordable enough for regulars to come in up to three times a week! Some of the regulars even drive all the way from Gleneagle, Fountain, Falcon and other outlying areas. All of this aside, you may be asking yourself… what sets Steaksmith apart from their competition?

Food:

Steaksmith is a retro 80’s steakhouse. You will find that their food quality is second to none and you don’t have the intensely formal ambiance like you would at some of the other steakhouses in town. They are not a prime meat house but their beef is top choice (top 2% of the choice), which is one grade below A prime. Additionally, 23% of their orders represent seafood. All of their seafood is freshly delivered 2 to 3 times a week. The seafood selection varies because the chef will only order the freshest fish available. Some of the fresh selections include halibut, yellow fin tuna, stuffed flounder, shark, monkfish and salmon. If they happen to run out of those options no need to worry because they serve shrimp, lobster and scallops 7 days a week.

Value:

The menu items are priced at an incredible value! Diners may find A-La-Carte menus at Steaksmith’s competitors, so a steak might seem less expensive at first glance. After adding on all the extras that diners typically want with their meal, the overall cost ends up being quite a bit more. Steaksmith prices include a side item, bread and your choice of soup or salad bar!

Bestseller: Top sirloin is their top selling steak – the petit is 7oz and their regular is 11oz. - 100% edible, no fat! Diners will enjoy their choice of starch, soup or salad bar, and bread. Priced at 7oz $22.95, 11oz 26.95 (their NY strip and prime rib are close seconds).

Service:

With the amount of competition in town, the team service is what really sets Steaksmith apart. Diners will notice that there isn’t just one person taking care of them; staff members work on an ‘any server, any time’ model. Diners have the attention of an entire team, which is a refreshing change. Some people are uncomfortable with this model because there is confusion when it comes time to leave the tip, but diners don’t have to worry about that because the staff have a tip-sharing model that keeps everyone motivated and happy!

Do you enjoy special deals? Be sure to 'like' the Wizbee Facebook Page and 'follow' us on Twitter to receive special updates. Additionally, you can always find special offers on the Wizbee coupon page!

Keywords: Colorado springs restaurants, Colorado springs restaurant, mexican restaurants, chinese restaurants, Colorado springs food, colorado springs seafood, mexican restaurant menus, colorado springs mexican food, italian restaurants, italian restaurant, Restaurants in Colorado Springs, Colorado springs pizza, Colorado springs spas, Colorado springs deals, Colorado springs coupons, Colorado springs discount, Colorado springs attractions, things to do in Colorado springs, Colorado springs vacation, motels, resorts, motel, hotel, Colorado springs lodging, Colorado springs, Colorado springs hotels, best hotels, hotels in Colorado springs

Local Business Spotlight: Dat's Italian!

 Do you enjoy authentic Italian food? DAT'S ITALIAN in Colorado Springs, Colorado just celebrated their one-year anniversary and is excited to serve you their home-cooked, authentic Italian meals.

Enjoy delicious and reasonably priced meals while you relax in a pleasant Tuscany atmosphere. You can also enjoy patio dining when weather permits.

The recipes cooked daily at DAT'S ITALIAN have been passed down through generations. Starting in Italy... Ancona to Sicily then on to Ellis Islalnd, New York. Today the large Tarsetti and Alfiero families may be scattered, but the recipes, tradition and love between the families will always carry on... DAT'S ITALIAN!

You can also join DAT'S ITALIAN on their Facebook and Twitter pages to stay up to date on specials and events!

Keywords: Colorado springs restaurants, Colorado springs restaurant, mexican restaurants, chinese restaurants, Colorado springs food, colorado springs seafood, mexican restaurant menus, colorado springs mexican food, italian restaurants, italian restaurant, Restaurants in Colorado Springs, Colorado springs pizza, Colorado springs spas, Colorado springs deals, Colorado springs coupons, Colorado springs discount, Colorado springs attractions, things to do in Colorado springs, Colorado springs vacation, motels, resorts, motel, hotel, Colorado springs lodging, Colorado springs, Colorado springs hotels, best hotels, hotels in Colorado springs

Intro to the new Wizbee.com

Hello, my name is Ryan Unseth and I am one of the co-founders of Wizbee.com. Many of you may not know what Wizbee is and really don’t understand why you should be going to Wizbee. Basically, Wizbee is a local search engine for local businesses in El Paso County, specifically Colorado Springs and the outlying areas. Within a Wizbee listing, you are able to find printable coupons, pictures, videos, business descriptions, contact information and customer reviews. People within this community are invited to leave reviews for local merchants so others can learn about their experiences. Our goal is for Wizbee to be an educational place for you to go.
On a business-to-business note, Wizbee is a full service internet marketing company. Our product portfolio includes the Wizbee.com website, search marketing services, social marketing services, mobile websites and web site design. Our goal is to provide local businesses with the most effective and affordable online marketing solutions here in Colorado Springs.
We look forward to seeing everyone on Wizbee.com and working with the many amazing local business owners. Thank you for your time!
Keywords: Colorado springs restaurants, Colorado springs restaurant, mexican restaurants, chinese restaurants, Colorado springs food, colorado springs seafood, mexican restaurant menus, colorado springs mexican food, italian restaurants, italian restaurant, Restaurants in Colorado Springs, Colorado springs pizza, Colorado springs spas, Colorado springs deals, Colorado springs coupons, Colorado springs discount, Colorado springs attractions, things to do in Colorado springs, Colorado springs vacation, motels, resorts, motel, hotel, Colorado springs lodging, Colorado springs, Colorado springs hotels, best hotels, hotels in Colorado springs