Donatos Pizza is an American fast‑casual pizza restaurant chain headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. Founded in 1963 by Andy and Anna Donatos, the company is known for its thin‑crust pizzas, which are advertised as “buttery, crispy, and season‑sprinkled,” and for offering a variety of toppings, specialty pizzas, salads, and side dishes.
History
- 1963 – The first Donatos restaurant opened at 699 South 8th Street in Columbus, Ohio.
- 1970s–1990s – The chain expanded throughout Ohio and into neighboring states through a combination of company‑owned and franchised locations.
- 2000s – Donatos pursued growth through franchising and began partnerships with other foodservice operators, including co‑location agreements with KFC restaurants in several markets.
- 2020s – The company remained privately held, operating under Donatos Pizza, Inc. Ownership structures and any corporate acquisitions during this period have not been publicly detailed beyond its status as a private entity.
Operations
- Number of locations – As of the most recent publicly available data (2023), Donatos operates roughly 180 restaurants across 20 U.S. states, primarily in the Midwest and Southeast.
- Business model – The chain utilizes a mix of company‑owned and franchised outlets. Some locations are situated within existing KFC restaurants, allowing shared kitchen and service facilities.
- Menu – Core offerings include thin‑crust hand‑tossed pizzas, a “Hot‑Fresh” pizza line featuring a crisp crust, a “Donatos Deluxe” line with premium toppings, as well as salads, chicken wings, and desserts. The “Donatos Delivery” service emphasizes quick delivery times, often within 30 minutes.
Corporate information
- Headquarters – Donatos Pizza, Inc., 7910 West Memorial Drive, Columbus, Ohio, United States.
- Ownership – The company is privately held; specific ownership details are not disclosed in publicly available corporate filings.
Cultural impact
Donatos has been referenced in popular culture, notably as the preferred pizza brand of former U.S. President Barack Obama during his tenure in Chicago, a fact highlighted in media coverage of his pizza preferences.
See also
- List of pizza chains in the United States
- Fast‑casual restaurant
Note: All information presented is based on publicly verifiable sources up to 2023. No speculative or unverified claims are included.
