Collegiate Times

They are possibly the best combination to hit our taste buds since the oh-so-heavenly marshmallow and chocolate s?more. Wish Blacksburg had a restaurant where you could experience the blissful taste of both in one sitting? The Gobbler is the place for you.

Former Tech student Matthew Leckie purchased the Gobbler in August 2005.

?I always dreamed of owning some kind of restaurant, club, or bar. I saw some potential here? so I decided to buy it,? Leckie said.

At first glance this pizza pub doesn't even look open, with its dark tinted windows and construction site next door. However, once you step inside, you become overwhelmed by the scent of fresh pizza crust baking in the oven. For just $5.99 you can enjoy an all-you-can-eat pizza buffet. When I visited on a weekday at lunchtime, the buffet offered four different types of pizza, breadsticks, and a salad bar.

The pizzas were, by far, some of the best I've ever tasted. After trying their cheese, pepperoni, veggie, and cheeseburger pizzas, I was hooked. The cheese was piled on, offering that wonderfully warm melted flavor most of us seek when trying a new pie. The sauce didn't overtake the pizza like it does at many other pizza places; there was just a perfectly thin layer.

Then there was the crust... crispy and delicious. The kitchen uses a conventional oven to dry out the crust of the pizza more. This way the pizza isn?t only crispier, but it?s healthier as well. Additionally, all of the sauces and dough are original recipes and made fresh daily.

My favorite was the cheeseburger pizza. With a combination of cheddar, beef, and bacon, when I took that first bite, I almost fainted in my seat.

When I made a second trip to the buffet area, I noticed a pleasant surprise. The coveted desert pizza caught my eye. Appropriately named the s?mores pizza, this pie consists of melted marshmallows and chocolate with a light sprinkling of cinnamon sugar. Rich, warm chocolate and gooey marshmallow lying atop pizza dough creates the perfect end to a pizza feast.

The food wasn't the only feel-good aspect of the Gobbler. With booths along the walls framing the front room, guests can enjoy their favorite sports programs on a big screen TV. There are also activities for the young at heart ? several pool tables (and one foosball arena) sturdily await pizza-fed patrons.

While the food and atmosphere are perfectly suited for a night out with friends, the restaurant wasn?t busy during the daytime.

?Location is kind of hard, but we give free delivery and that has picked up a hundred fold since I?ve been here,? Leckie said. ?Delivery has helped get more people to come in.? Anyone interested in ordering in can find The Gobbler?s menu on campusfood.com.

?The delivery was timely, the fillings were good and fresh, and the crust was great. I would recommend the restaurant if you?re looking for a variety,? said recent Tech graduate, Justin Shaffer.

While delivery is doing very well, the Gobbler would like to bring more customers into the restaurant. They offer karaoke on Saturday nights, and will be starting to offer live music every week. In addition, they have NFL Sunday Ticket. Plus, Thursday-Saturday they offer a late night pizza buffet until 2am. Located on Kabrich Street, next to Tech Terrace and Oak Bridge apartments, the Gobbler offers a variety of pizzas, Italian specialties, salads, sandwiches, and wings. With delivery and dine-in available, the Gobbler is sure to meet your dining needs.