After the departure of a CEO in 2002 and another in 2004, former Whataburger COO and president, Tim Taft, was hired to heal the ailing company in 2005.

One year later, Taft has substantially changed Pizza Inn's purchasing company and its procedures, formed franchisee governance committees and led the development and rollout of a new prototype buffet unit.

The continuum tracks the worst of times for the company, whose 380 stores are less than half its all-time high of 775. But Taft, several franchisees and Schwarz believe much better times lie ahead.

"I think the best is yet to come for Pizza Inn," said H.M. Poythress, a 38-year franchisee in Greensboro, N.C. "I like the part that the corporate side is working with the franchisee side. That’s a healthy sign."