Coop's Pizza — Restaurant in Hayward

I am giving a 2 star rating. For 15 years. COOPS was our "go to" pizza place when in Hayward. The pizza was great as always. Unfortunately, as the previous reviews stated, not one employee was wearing a mask. I pre-ordered our pizzas, when we were seated, I asked our very friendly, kind server why no one was wearing a mask. She said " the owner is anti masks." Per the owner's responses: don't hide behind the county not enforcing masks. If you are anti masks, at least post that on all your doors and your website. I have worked in the food industry for 8+ years. You can wash tables and sanitize every 15 minutes. Covid 19 is AIRBORNE! So do you not enforce no shirts no shoes no service? Obviously you're not enforcing training either. My four-year-old grandson and I could clearly hear the employees in the kitchen window (also not wearing masks ) talking about their previous experiences, dancing behind the window, laughing out loud and speaking inappropriate language, jokes about headbanging, clearly loud enough for the customers to hear. What happened over the years? Even if this is not a county mandate, you as the owner can at least make sure your employees who handle food within a 1-foot distance can be safely wearing masks. Don't tell us in reviews and your responses that you care about your customers. You could never know this, but I have a 20 year old daughter with an inoperable brain tumor, a husband who has had bladder cancer. Are you screening each person and asking them what their health issues are? Don't pretend for a minute you care about your customers, because you don't. This is not political. This is a matter of respect and doing what you can to keep your customers safe. At least have the backbone to post your belief so everyone can make an informed decision as to whether they want to eat in your establishment. You will not see us again and yes as you said numerous times, there are other places that we can eat. We will dine where masks are mandated. I only hope that it will be YOU, not your customers or employees, who suffers like a dog getting Covid. I also sincerely hope...

Coop's Pizza in Hayward, WI has been a cherished annual stop during a cabin trip I make with college friends. Over the years, we've witnessed countless changes—the removal of the fish tank, updates to the entrance, the opening up of the bar space, and, most devastatingly, the elimination of shredded lettuce from the salad bar. While I can accept change as a part of life, it comes with an expectation of integrity and flexibility.

The shredded lettuce was iconic—an unsung hero of the salad bar. Its absence left a void, one that I sought to fill during last year's visit after confirming its availability over the phone. I was promised that a plate of shredded lettuce could be provided, a beacon of leafy hope. Yet, upon arrival, I was greeted not with lettuce but with scoffs and indifference from the staff. A disappointment, to be sure, but I held out hope for redemption.

This year, I approached with caution but optimism. Another phone call, another sympathetic employee who assured me that my request could be met. This time, my hopes soared when I saw the taco pizza on the menu—surely they had shredded lettuce in the kitchen! But alas, history repeated itself. My polite inquiry was met with a palpable air of annoyance, and I was directed to the salad bar's uninspiring, leaf-layered alternative.

Let me be clear: this review isn't about the shredded lettuce itself. It's about broken promises, dismissive attitudes, and an unwillingness to go the extra mile for a customer. A simple plate of shredded lettuce—something they clearly have on hand—could have turned a disappointing visit into a memorable one.

Coop's, I loved you once, but your lack of care and follow-through has soured that affection. Until I see a return to the integrity and customer-first mentality that once defined you, I will be forced to reminisce about better days every time...

Firstly, Coop’s has very limited hours for being open. I’ve been through Hayward many, many times and it’s never been open when I’ve been there. Mostly because they don’t stay open very late.

This trip, we actually were in Hayward for lunch and were able to check it out.

I’ll say this now, the pizza was excellent. Expensive. Really expensive for small town dining, but it was excellent. I’d certainly eat here again…..

But the service was INCREDIBLY slow. Amazingly so. We got there at 1:30 and had a 3PM tee time at Hayward GC which is like 6 minutes away. We ordered as soon as we could, which wasn’t until about 1:45. Okay, we still have a ton of time.

We almost left. Finally they brought out our pizzas at 2:35pm. We had to call to push back our tee time it took so long.

These aren’t deep dish pizzas that take an hour to cook. They are thin crust.

Moreover, we got one soda. Never had a refill. Ever try to eat a 16” pizza without a lot of soda or beer? It isn’t easy.

I have a lot of reviews on here. This was the worst service I’ve ever had. Completely inattentive. Slow. Worst tip (percentage-wise) I’ve ever given and I’m generally a large tipper. My friend didn’t tip at all and he always tips.

Granted, it was a busy afternoon, but most people were leaving and we were seated right away and there were still plenty of seats available. So they weren’t THAT busy.

I’ll probably be back. The pizza is that good. Great crust. Great sauce. Good sausage. Served hot. It’s delicious.

Next time though, I’ll allot 3 hours for a meal and likely bring in a large fountain soda from the Holiday...